Hydrophobic fluorine-doped carbon-wrapped TiO2 particles as efficient and stable photocatalysts for gaseous toluene degradation

Moisture-resistant TiO2-based catalysts with high activity and stability are urgently needed to satisfy re-quirements for the treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this work, a novel hydrophobic F-doped carbon-wrapped TiO2 catalyst (TiO2 @HFC) was synthesized by a facile method and used for the photocatalytic degradation of toluene. TiO2 @HFC displays significantly higher activity under UV/Vis irradiation than com-mercial P25 TiO2, and remains stable after six cycles. The removal efficiency of toluene was 81.7% after 210 min of reaction, corresponding to a mineralization efficiency of 74.5%. Benefiting from the hydrophobic F-doped carbon layer modification, the incorporation of F into TiO2 crystals, and increased Ti3+ content, TiO2 @HFC is characterized by efficient separation and utilization of photoexcited charge carriers, enhanced adsorption of toluene, and robust resistance towards water vapor. This work demonstrates the potential application of the TiO2-based photocatalyst to efficiently remove VOCs in a humid environment.

Automated summary

A moisture-resistant TiO2-based catalyst has been successfully synthesized in this study, which shows higher activity and stability compared to commercial catalysts in the photocatalytic degradation of toluene. The modification of a hydrophobic F-doped carbon layer, incorporation of F into TiO2 crystals, and increased Ti3+ content contribute to the improved utilization of photoexcited charge carriers, enhanced toluene adsorption, and resistance towards water vapor.