Gas-Phase Photocatalytic Oxidation of Benzene over Titanium Dioxide Loaded on Ce0.67Zr0.33O2.

The article discusses research on gas-phase photocatalytic oxidation of benzene in a batch reactor using cerium zirconium oxide with surficial titanium dioxide. The chemistry of the process is explained and an optimal loading ratio of titanium dioxide is reported. Laboratory instrumentation used to characterize the photocatalyst included X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The researchers suggest that the photocatalytic oxidation mechanism involves electron transfer, increases in active surficial oxygen species, and the absorption spectrum of the catalyst.