Electrospun nanofibers of Er{sup 3+}-doped TiO{sub 2} with photocatalytic activity beyond the absorption edge
Er{sup 3+}-doped TiO{sub 2} nanofibers with different Er{sup 3+} contents were prepared via electrospinning and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photocurrent measurement. Photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared samples were evaluated by the decolorization of methyl orange aqueous solution under simulated solar light irradiation. The results indicated that the photocatalytic activity of Er{sup 3+}-doped TiO{sub 2} nanofibers was much higher than that of the undoped one, and the optimal dosage of Er{sup 3+} at 1 mol% achieved the highest degradation rate. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of Er{sup 3+}-doped TiO{sub 2} nanofibers under the irradiation of light with the wavelength beyond the absorption edge of TiO{sub 2} was explored by the decolorization of a dye, rhodamine B and the photodegradation of a typical colorless pollutant, phenol. The results further revealed the mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic activity through Er{sup 3+} doping in TiO{sub 2} nanofibers. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: ●Er{sup 3+}:TiO{sub 2} nanofibers with different Er{sup 3+} contents were prepared via electrospinning. ●The photocatalytic activity of Er{sup 3+}:TiO{sub 2} was much higher than that of undoped one. ●Er{sup 3+}:TiO{sub 2} could be activated by the light with wavelength beyond the absorption edge.
- OSTI ID:
- 22274216
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Vol. 210, Issue 1; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0022-4596
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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