Photocatalytic effect of nature and modified V-bearing rutile.

A natural ruffle TiO2, which displays photocatalysis on degrading halohydrocarbon pollutants, was reported. The rutile contains up to 1.22% V2O5 (weight percent). Substitutions of Ti by V, as well as Fe, Cu and Zn, result in lattice distortions and defects. Grinding, heating and quenching modify the surface characteristics of rutile, and consequently increase its photoactivity. It is found that the heating and quenching treatments enhance visible-light absorption of ruffle, especially at 1000 and 1100 °C. Ground rutile is effective to degrade tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene. While, heating at 1000 °C, and quenching at 1000 and 1100 °C distinctly improve degradation rate of samples. The special properties of the natural rutile have particular capabilities in photocatalytic oxidation, especially in degradation of halohydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]