Preparation of Y(2)O(3)/TiO(2)-Loaded Polyester Fabric and Its Photocatalytic Properties under Visible Light Irradiation

In this study, Y(2)O(3)/TiO(2)-loaded polyester fabric was prepared to improve the catalytic activity of the TiO(2) and to increase its reuse efficiency. The samples were systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Furthermore, the degradation performance of methyl orange in the presence of simulated visible light irradiation was also investigated. The results showed that the TiO(2) in the Y(2)O(3)/TiO(2) composite photocatalyst was suitably anatase. In addition, Y(2)O(3)/TiO(2)-loaded polyester fabric had higher photocatalytic performance than that of pure polyester fabric under visible light and the degradation rate reached 83% after 120 min of light exposure but remained above 50% after repeated exposure (three times). Compared to the pure polyester fabric, Y(2)O(3)/TiO(2)-loaded polyester fabric had self-cleaning effects in methyl blue and soy sauce solutions under visible light.