Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue with spent FCC catalyst loaded with ferric oxide and titanium dioxide.

ABSTRACT: The spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst has been loaded with ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂). Fe-Ti/SF composite (loaded with 5 wt% TiO₂ and 5 wt% Fe₂O₃), Fe/SF composite (loaded with10 wt% Fe₂O₃) and Ti/SF composite (loaded with 10 wt% TiO₂) have been fabricated via a modified-impregnation method. The band gaps of the Fe-Ti/SF, Fe/SF and Ti/SF composites (evaluated by the energy versus [F(R∞)hv]ⁿ) are 2.23, 1.98 and 3.0 eV, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that the Fe-Ti/SF has lower electron transfer resistance, it has the small charge transfer resistance and fast charge transfer rate. The interparticle electrons transfer between the Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂, which can improve the separation of the photo-electrons and holes. The holes transfer from valence band of TiO₂ to the valence band of Fe₂O₃, which can provide more active sites around the adsorbed molecules. The methylene blue degradation efficiencies (with the Fe-Ti/SF, Fe/SF and Ti/SF composites) are ~ 94.2%, ~ 22.3% and ~ 54.0% in 120 min, respectively. This work reveals that the spent FCC catalyst as supporter can be loaded with Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂. This composite is highly suitable for degradation of methylene blue, which can provide a potential method to dispose the spent FCC catalyst in industry.

SUBMITTER: Xu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7391759 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature