TiO2/CeO2 composite catalysts: synthesis, characterization and mechanism analysis.

TiO₂/CeO₂ composite catalysts were successfully prepared with hydrothermal and deposition-precipitation method. Acquired samples were characterized with diversiform analytical techniques and spectroscopy to ensure their structure, morphology, and light absorption properties. The results manifest that all the samples contain highly crystalline anatase phase. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) show that the addition of CeO₂ inhibited the grain growth without destroying the original appearance, and the inhibition effect of hydrothermal method is more obvious. Structure of the hole was explained combined with the mechanism of reaction. Experimental consequences such as Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum peaks broadening and movement further indicate that CeO₂ have been composite with the TiO₂ and caused size effect. Compared to the pure TiO₂, we can see from the UV-Vis spectrum that the band gap of TiO₂/CeO₂ is narrower, and the light absorption range is slightly expanded to visible light, which will be hopeful to enhance the photoconversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]