Nd/TiO(2) Anatase-Brookite Photocatalysts for Photocatalytic Decomposition of Methanol

Neodymium enriched TiO(2) anatase-brookite powders were prepared by unconventional method via using pressurized hot fluids for TiO(2) crystallization and purification. The photocatalysts were tested in the CH(3)OH photocatalytic decomposition and they were characterized with respect to the textural (nitrogen adsorption), structural (XRD, XPS, and Raman spectroscopies), chemical (XRF), and optical (DR UV-Vis spectroscopy) and photoelectrochemical measurement. All prepared materials were nanocrystalline, had biphasic (anatase- brookite) structure and relatively large specific surface area (125 m(2).g(−1)). The research work indicates that the doping of neodymium on TiO(2) photocatalysts significantly enhances the efficiency of photocatalytic reaction. The photocatalytic activity increased with increasing portion of hydroxyl oxygen to the total amount of oxygen species. It was ascertained that the optimal amount of 1 wt% Nd in TiO(2) accomplished the increasing of hydrogen production by 70% in comparison with pure TiO(2). The neodymium doped on the titanium dioxide act as sites with accumulation of electrons. The higher efficiency of photocatalytic process was achieved due to improved electron-hole separation on the modified TiO(2) photocatalysts. This result was confirmed by electrochemical measurements, the most active photocatalysts proved the highest photocurrent responses.