The synthesis of TiO2 and TiO2-Pt and their application in the removal of Cr (VI)

The deposition of noble metal on titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been considered as an effective strategy to improve the activity of TiO2. In this paper, TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared via a sol-gel route, followed by heat treatment at elevated temperatures. TiO2-Pt catalyst was prepared by deposition of platinum (Pt) on the surface of as-prepared TiO2 nanoparticles. TiO2 and TiO2-Pt were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible differential reflectance spectra and infrared spectroscopy. TiO2 and TiO2-Pt were used as heterogeneous catalysts for the removal of Cr (VI) under ultraviolet-light illumination. TiO2 prepared at low temperature had smaller particle size and higher specific surface area, and consequently had higher activity on the removal of Cr (VI). The Pt deposited on the surface of TiO2 favoured the separation of photo-produced electrons (e-) and holes (h+), inhibited the recombination of e- and h+, and enhanced Cr (VI) removal. However, its blocking of active sites also inhibited the removal of Cr (VI). The deposition of 1% (wt.%) Pt to TiO2 produced the optimum activity for the removal of Cr (VI). A lower pH favoured the adsorption of Cr (VI) on the surface of TiO2, and correspondingly enhanced the removal of Cr (VI).