Improved photocatalytic NO removal activity of SrTiO3 by using SrCO3 as a new co-catalyst

In this study, SrTiO3 catalyst decorated with SrCO3 was prepared by one step in-situ pyrolysis and was used for the photocatalytic removal of NO. The presence of SrCO3 not only improved the photocatalytic activity of SrTiO3 but also inhibited the deactivation of SrTiO3 during NO removal. In photocatalytic process, the photogenerated electrons in CB of SrTiO3 could migrate to the CB of SrCO3. Meanwhile, strong O-2 adsorption on the SrCO3 surface would increase the production of O-center dot(2)-. Moreover, SrCO3 could increase the surface acidity of SrTiO3, which would increase the NO adsorption and facilitate the oxidation of NO. The experimental data suggested that SrCO3 functions as surface deposited noble metals without the shortcomings caused by noble metals. Overall, the prepared SrCO3 looks promising as environmentally friendly and economic substitute to noble metals.