Photocatalytic effect of nature and modified V-bearing rutile

A natural rutile 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 rutile, especially at 1000 and 1100degreesC. Ground rutile is effective to degrade tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene. While, heating at 1000degreesC, and quenching at 1000 and 1100degreesC distinctly improve degradation rate of samples. The special properties of the natural rutile have particular capabilities in photocatalytic oxidation, especially in degradation of halohydrocarbons.Multidisciplinary SciencesSCI(E)0ARTICLE212284-22874