Design of TiO2-zeolite composites with enhanced photocatalytic performances under irradiation of UV and visible light

Design of TiO2 and FAU zeolite composite photocatalysts was performed by using Y-zeolite with different SiO2/Al2O3 ratio and two different kinds of TiO2 precursors, i.e., titanium ammonium oxalate and ammonium hexafluorotitanate. The SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of Y-zeolite and kinds of TiO2 precursors strongly affect the photocatalytic performances of composites in the degradation of 2-propanol in water due to the different adsorption properties of organics and crystallinity of TiO2. The usages of fluorine containing TiO2 precursor were quite effective for enhancement of photocatalytic performances of composites due to the improvement of hydrophobicity of Y-zeolite as a support, achievement of good crystallinity of TiO2, and the contribution of visible light sensitivity after calcination at suitable temperatures. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.