MODIFICATION OF ANATASE TiO2 WITH KF AND ITS PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY IN VISIBLE REGION

Abstract

In this study, we searched for methods to modify commercial titania in pursuit of new low cost photocatalyst which can operate effectively under visible irradiation. Mixtures of TiO₂ and KF were calcined in the region of 800 – 1000^oC at different calcine duration to obtain FTO. XRD data indicated the existence of 3 phases K₂Ti₆O₁₃, K₄Ti₄F₁₀O₆.3H₂O and anatase. SEM photographs revealed that initial TiO₂ particles (TO) had distorted cubic shape and their size ranged from 100 to 500 nm. While FTO particles had cylindrical form of more 1 μm in length.

Under visible irradiation, photoactivity of FTO on blue methylene decomposition is equivalent to P25 (conversion 60% after 4 hours) and double TO.