Influence of an Electronic Structure of N-TiO2 on Its Photocatalytic Activity towards Decomposition of Acetaldehyde under UV and Fluorescent Lamps Irradiation

The electronic structure of N-TiO2 samples prepared by a sol-gel method was investigated by EPR (Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance) measurements and the energy-resolved distribution of electron traps. In EPR spectra, some of the resonance lines assigned to paramagnetic species of nitrogen and Ti3+ were detected. Sample prepared at 300 degrees C revealed the highest intensity line of the nitrogen paramagnetic centers, whereas that prepared at 400 degrees C showed a paramagnetic line for Ti3+. Measurements of the electron trap distribution showed higher density of electron traps for sample prepared at 400 degrees C than that at 300 degrees C. Sample prepared at 300 degrees C, which revealed the highest amount of nitrogen built in the titania in the interstitial position was the most active under visible light. It was evidenced that photocatalytic decomposition of acetaldehyde was dependent strongly on the BET surface area and electrokinetic potential of the photocatalyst surface. The UV content in the fluorescent lamp affected the yield of acetaldehyde decomposition.