Title : Heterostructures for emerging pollutants degradation under sunlight irradiation
Abstract:
his presentation deals with the synthesis of novel heterostructures for the degradation of emerging pollutants by photocatalysis using sunlight. It will be discussed the properties of those heterostructures based on metal oxide semiconductors assembled over several supports. In order to provide a global vision clays and carbonbased materials have been used as porous supports. The discussion includes the comparison among different synthesis approaches, including sol-gel, microwave-assisted synthesis and solvothermal ways. The main aim of this presentation is the design and optimization of novel photocatalysts able to remove emerging pollutants in water by using sunlight irradiation. Therefore, several heterostructures will be presented based on titania and titania-modified assembled over silicates and carbon materials. The characterization of the resulting catalysts reveals the formation of oxide nanoparticles that remain anchored to the surface of the support. The photodegradation of emerging pollutants (acetaminophen and antypirine) will be discussed in order to evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency of these heterostructures. Several parameters have been considered to design the best photocatalyst, taking in mind the physical-chemical properties of both oxide and support. In some cases, the synergic effect of oxide nanoparticles and support allowed the photodegradation after a few hours of irradiation. A complete study of both effects will be necessary to design optimum sunlight photocatalysts, pointing out the relevance of their efficiency and stability.
