Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol.18, No.6, 930-934, 2001
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Ethylene to CO2 and H2O on Ultrafine Powdered TiO2 Photocatalysts: Effect of the Presence of O2 and H2O and the Addition of Pt
The complete photocatalytic oxidation of C2H4 with O-2 into CO2 and H2O has been achieved on ultrafine powdered TiO2 photocatalysts and the addition of H2O was found to enhance the reaction. The photocatalytic reaction has been studied by IR, ESR, and analysis of the reaction products. UV irradiation of the photocatalysts at 275 K led to the photocatalytic oxidation of C2H4 with O-2 into CO2, CO, and H2O. The large surface area of the photocatalyst is one of the most important factors in achieving a high efficiency in the photocatalytic oxidation of C2H4. The photo-formed OH species as well as O-2(-) and O-3(-) anion radicals play a significant role as a key active species in the complete photocatalytic oxidation of C2H4 with O-2 into CO2 and H2O. Interestingly, small amount of Pt addition to the TiO2 photocatalyst increased the amount of selective formation of CO2 which was the oxidation product of C2H4 and O-2.