NaTa03/MCM-48 composites for photocatalytic conversion of organic molecules

The synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of a series of NaTaO3/MCM-48 composite photocatalysts prepared by sol-gel method is reported. The composite catalysts were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 adsorption-desorption porosimetry. Their photocatalytic activity for conversion of organic molecules was tested using p-nitroaniline as a model pollutant. The surface area was found to be in the order of 235-964 m2/g and 35-407 m2/g for photocatalysts calcined at 500 °C and 850 °C, respectively. The surface area was found to depend on the MCM silica content. The pore size for samples calcined at 500 °C ranges from 2.6-3.2 nm, and becomes significantly larger at 850 °C (12.6-30.0 nm) for most composites. All composites have been found to be photocatalytically active towardsp-nitroaniline conversion intop-phenylenediamine under uv- visible irradiation. The conversion of p-nitroaniline per weight of NaTaO3 in the composite photocatalysts is found to be higher than that of pristine NaTaO3. The composites lose 12% of their original activity after three consecutive catalytic cycles.