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Photoinduced hole transfer from TiO[sub 2] to methanol molecules in aqueous solution studied by electron paramagnetic resonance

Journal Article · · Journal of Physical Chemistry; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100152a036· OSTI ID:5114883

An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study is reported on the paramagnetic species formed on irradiation of aqueous TiO[sub 2] colloids in the presence of methanol. In laser (308 nm) irradiated aqueous solution of methanol at 1.9 K, the observed EPR signals are centered around g = 2 and have a line shape characteristic of the CH[sub 2]OH radical. The appearance of these radicals at the very low temperature of 1.9 K implicates charge transfer from the oxygen lattice holes to methanol molecules within a few monolayers of the surface of the TiO[sub 2] particles. Different radicals are formed when CH[sub 3]OH is chemisorbed on TiO[sub 2]. The EPR signals detected in TiO[sub 2] colloidal solution prepared in methanol and then evaporated and dissolved in water also show the formation of the CH[sub 2]OH radical due to oxidation of chemisorbed methanol on the TiO[sub 2] surface. These particles, with high laser pulse intensities, oxidize the chemisorbed methanol further to give the CHO radical. In addition, the CH[sub 3] radical is formed from reducing processes and observed at 6-50 K. In the absence of methanol, holes are trapped by surface hydroxide groups forming TI[sup IV]-O-Ti[sup IV]-O[sup [sm bullet]]. At higher temperature (150 K) in aqueous methanol solution, the CH[sub 2]OH radical transfers an electron to TiO[sub 2], doubling the yield of formation of surface Ti[sup III] ions which are stable in air-free solution. When an electron scavenger such as Hg[sup 2+] is present in solution, the EPR signal of Ti[sup III] disappears since mercury ions are reduced. 44 refs., 7 figs.

DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5114883
Journal Information:
Journal of Physical Chemistry; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry; (United States) Vol. 97:50; ISSN JPCHAX; ISSN 0022-3654
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English