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Enhanced Degradation of Ethylene in ThermoPhotocatalytic Process Using TiO2/Nickel Foam: Reaction Mechanism

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21 November 2023

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21 November 2023

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Abstract
Photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene was performed under UV-Led irradiation at the presence of nanocrystalline TiO2 (anatase, 15 nm) supported on the porous nickel foam. Process was carried out in the high temperature chamber with regulated temperature from ambient to 125°C under flow of reacted gas (ethylene in a synthetic air, 50 ppm) with simultaneous FTIR measurements of sample surface. Ethylene was decomposed with higher efficiency in elevated temperatures with maximum of 28% at 100-125°C. The nickel foam used as support for TiO2 allowed to enhance the ethylene decomposition at the temperature of 50°C. However, at 50°C the stability of ethylene decomposition was not retained within the following reaction run, but it was at 100°C. Performed photocatalytic measurements at the presence of some radicals scavengers indicated that higher efficiency of ethylene decomposition was obtained due to the improved separation of charge carriers and increased formation of superoxide anionic radicals, which were formed at the interface of thermally activated nickel foam and TiO2.
Keywords: 
thermo-photocatalysis
;  
TiO2/nickel foam
;  
ethylene decomposition
;  
superoxide anionic radicals
Subject: 
Chemistry and Materials Science  -   Materials Science and Technology

1. Introduction

Ethylene, which belongs to the group of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is a naturally occurring gas that is emitted by plants. As a phytohormone, ethylene displays both desirable and adverse impacts in storage of fresh vegetables and fruits [1]. It fulfills a crucial and beneficial role in the development of distinctive color, taste and flavors in fresh produce. On the other hand, accumulation of ethylene in plants induces premature ripening, senescence and aging which results in faster deterioration and shortening of shelf life [2,3].
Therefore, effective removal of ethylene from these areas is crucial, and a myriad of strategies have been employed to degrade it. Methods for ethylene degradation vary, spanning from biological processes that use different types of biofilters [2,4], employment of sorbents such as zeolites or activated carbon [1,5], application of air ventilation or air filtration dependent on catalytic oxidation [6,7]. However, these methods often face challenges in terms of efficiency, selectivity, and operational conditions.
Amidst the diverse strategies photocatalytic degradation is a viable substitute for mitigating ethylene-induced spoilage. This innovative approach utilizes light in the ultraviolet to visible spectrum to activate a photocatalyst, namely titanium dioxide (TiO2), which can oxidize ethylene molecules into less harmful compounds [7]. Unlike traditional methods, photocatalysis can be conducted at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, making it an environmentally friendly option that can be used in various settings. Photocatalysis also offers tailored solutions that can optimize the degradation of ethylene according to the unique needs of different storage facilities [6,7,8].
While the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in photocatalytic degradation of ethylene presents a promising eco-friendly alternative, it is not without its shortcomings. Foremost among these is the recombination of electron-hole pairs within TiO2. This significantly diminishes its photocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, TiO2's ability to absorb visible light is constrained due to its large bandgap, specifically 3.2 eV in the anatase phase, which necessitates the use of ultraviolet light for efficient photocatalytic performance. This is significant since UV light comprises only about 5% of the sun's emissions [9]. Thus, utilizing UV light can be both costly and energy-intensive. Additionally, as reported in [10] the ethylene molecules display low adsorption capacity and photodegradation rate on (001) surface of titania, which was considered most reactive for the surface catalyzed reactions. Weak adsorption energy of ethylene signifies its negligible interaction with the TiO2 surface, presenting a significant challenge in the design of efficient photocatalytic materials, as strong adsorbate-surface interactions are critical for optimal performance [10,11].
Addressing these limitations a variety of methods have been investigated aiming to enhance photocatalytic performance of TiO2. The method most commonly used to enhance the efficiency of TiO2 is through doping which can change its wide bandgap, improve visible light absorption and reduce electron-hole recombination [12]. Doping can be achieved using elements such as metals (transition [13] earth-rare [14] and noble [15]), non-metals (N [16], C [17], S [18] and others), or co-doping which involves the simultaneous introduction of multiple dopants [12,19]. Another promising approach involves the development of new composite photocatalysts. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials composed of metal clusters coordinated to organic ligands. MOFs possess unique characteristics, particularly: large specific surface area, high pore volume and alterable pore size, which contribute positively to the efficiency of photocatalysis and adsorption of gases [20]. As stated in [21] photocatalytic system made of combination of TiO2, MIL101(Fe), and reduced carbon oxide (rGO) successfully enhanced separation efficacy of electron-hole pair as well as improved gas adsorption capacity. Recent research studies have also revealed that, photocatalysts combined with nickel foam emerged as novel composite materials in the field of photocatalytic degradation of VOCs. Nickel foam stands out for its high porosity, excellent conductivity and affordability making it particularly useful for photocatalytic systems [22]. It has been previously reported that TiO2 combined with nickel foam can be used for photocatalytic degradation of various pollutants, including toluene [23], formaldehyde [24], acetaldehyde [25,26,27]. As stated in our previous paper [26] the nickel foam used in combination with TiO2 considerably enhanced charge separation in TiO2, what positively affected formation of superoxide anion radicals, which were utilized in the photocatalytic reactions.
The objective of this study was investigation of mechanism of ethylene decomposition at the presence of TiO2 supported on the nickel foam. Impact of increased temperature on the yield of photocatalytic reactions was considered.

2. Materials and Methods

Characteristics of materials

Methods

The experiments of ethylene decomposition in the thermo-photocatalytic system were carried out employing the high temperature reaction chamber (Praying Mantis, Harrick, USA), as reported in our previous paper [26]. Throughout the experimental procedure, continuous Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) measurements were executed using the Thermo Nicolet iS50 FTIR instrument (Thermo, USA). UV irradiation was applied through a quartz window utilizing an illuminator equipped with fiber optics and a UV-LED 365 nm diode with an optical power of 415 mW (LABIS, Poland). Gas (C2H4 50 ppm in a synthetic dry air, Air Liquide) was supplied through the inlet regulated by a mass flow meter. Following the thermo-photocatalytic reaction, the ethylene concentration was determined in a gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector (GC-FID, SRI, USA). The accessories used in the experimental system are shown below in Figure 1.
TiO2 sample supported on the nickel foam was placed inside the reaction chamber. The reacted gas was flowing from top to the bottom of the reactor, then was directed to the GC-FID equipped in the automatic dozen loop and was analyzed every 15 min during proceeding process. Measurements at the presence of TiO2 only without nickel foam were also performed.
TiO2 was analyzed through XRD measurements using a diffractometer (PANanalytical, The Netherlands) equipped with a Cu X-ray source, λ = 0.154439 nm. The measurements covered the 2θ range of 20-90° with a step size of 0.013. A voltage of 35 kV and a current of 30 mA were applied during the measurements.
The specific surface area of TiO2 was determined from the nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms measured at 77 K using QUADRASORB Si analyzer (Quantachrome, USA). Before measuring sample was degassed at 105 °C for 12 h under high vacuum using MasterPrep degasser by Quantachrome.
In order to identify the dominant species participating in the photocatalytic reactions, measurements were performed at the presence of hole, hydroxyl radicals and oxygen radicals scavengers. Terephthalic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and p-benzoquinone were used to trap •OH, h+, and O2−• species, respectively. The applied procedure followed the methodology reported by Q. Zeng et al. [28] and involved a mixture of 0.1 g TiO2 with 0.01 g of each scavenger individually. The mixture was then loaded onto purified nickel foam and tested. An excess of scavenger was used to ensure the entire capture of demanded radicals. Decomposition of ethylene at the presence of TiO2 and scavenger was carried out at 100°C under UV irradiation in a high-temperature chamber. As a control test, a mixture of 0.1 g TiO2 and 0.01 g KBr was used, because KBr has been known to be chemically inert for ethylene gas.

Materials

TiO2 was synthesized through a two-step procedure: initial hydrothermal treatment of titania pulp (obtained from Police Chemical Factory, Poland) in deionized water at 150°C and 7.4 bar for 1 hour. Subsequently, the resultant mixture underwent decantation, followed by drying at 100°C, and then subjected to a tube furnace under an argon flow of 30 ml/min (heating rate: 10°C/min) until reaching 400°C, where it was maintained for 2 hours.
The nickel foam (sourced from China) exhibited a purity of 99.8% and possessed the following specifications: thickness of 1.5 mm, porosity ranging between 95% and 97%, and a surface density of 300 g/m2.
The chemicals utilized in the studies included: p-benzoquinone (with HPLC grade purity of over 99.5%, sourced from Fluka Analytical in Darmstadt, Germany), terephthalic acid (TA) (having a purity of 98%, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich in Saint Louis, MO, USA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (Pure Chemical Standards-Elemental Microanalysis).

3. Results

3.1. Physicochemical properties of TiO2

The XRD pattern of the prepared TiO2 sample was shown in Figure 2. The primary crystalline phase observed in the TiO2 sample was anatase. Low intensity signals assigned to rutile phase were also observed. Calculation of an average crystallites size of anatase was performed based on the Scherrer equation. The calculated size of anatase crystallites was equaled approximately 15 nanometers. Performed calculations of phase composition indicated that share of rutile in this TiO2 was around 4 wt%. Measured BET surface area of TiO2 was equaled 167 m2/g.

3.2. Thermo-photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene at the presence of TiO2 and TiO2/nickel foam under UV light

The results of thermo-photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene under UV-LED illumination at the presence of TiO2 supported on KBr are shown in Figure 3. The percentage of ethylene decomposition ranged from about 18% at 25°C to about 28% at 100-125°C. Higher temperature of the photocatalytic process resulted in somewhat higher ethylene decomposition. Some fluctuations of ethylene removal were noted within a time of UV irradiation.
In the next step TiO2 was supported on the nickel foam and the photocatalytic process of ethylene decomposition was repeated. The results from the performed experiments are shown in Figure 4. High increase in ethylene decomposition was observed when process was carried out at elevated temperature, the maximum yield (50%) was achieved at the temperatures of 100-125°C. The yields of the photocatalytic reactions were decreasing in time of the going process, however at 100-125°C reached a certain stability after 60 min with a drop of efficacy around 5% only.

3.3. Thermo-photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene at the presence of radicals scavengers

Some radicals scavengers were added to TiO2 in order to examine the share of the formed reactive radicals in the photocatalytic reactions related to the decomposition of ethylene. Process was carried out at 100°C at the presence of TiO2 mixed with a scavenger and supported on nickel foam. The obtained results are presented in Figure 5. Photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene at the presence of TiO2/nickel foam at 100oC with addition of some radicals scavengers.
After adding terephthalic acid (TA) to TiO2, (the scavenger of hydroxyl radicals), the decomposition of ethylene was unchanged compared to the blank test with TiO2 only. On the other hand, when EDTA was added to TiO2 as a hole scavenger the degradation of ethylene slightly decreased. The introduction of p-benzoquinone (p-BQ), acting as a scavenger for superoxide anion radicals caused almost completely inhibition of the photocatalytic process. These experiments revealed that superoxide anion radicals played the leading role in the process of ethylene degradation.

3.4. FTIR spectra of the photocatalyst surface measured at the condition of the photocatalytic process of ethylene decomposition

Figure 6, Figure 7 and Figure 8 contain FTIR spectra illustrating the interaction of ethylene with titania surface during thermo-photocatalytic processes. In situ, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) was applied. FTIR spectra presented in Figure 6 are illustrating the changes in the chemical structure of TiO2 surface exhibited to ethylene gas (50 ppm in air), UV irradiation and thermal heating. The starting TiO2 material contained hydroxyl groups only, as indicated FTIR bands at 3690 and 1620 cm-1 assigned to OH groups and that at 3700-2500 m-1 assigned to molecular adsorbed water. During photocatalytic process of ethylene decomposition conducted at increased temperature, some new bands appeared. At 25°C strong band at 3740 cm-1 was observed together with another broad and weak at 3650 cm-1. At the same time the intensity of a broad band at 3700-2500 cm-1 declined. According to Park et al. [29] the band at 3740 cm-1 is attributed to OH groups adsorbed on TiO2 surface and is formed after desorption of physically adsorbed water molecules, which can be observed through the diminish the intensity of the band at 3700-2500 cm-1. The band at 3650 cm-1 is also attributed to OH groups adsorbed on TiO2 surface, but on the other site. According to Bhattacharyya et al. [13], such bonded OH groups are very labile for dihydroxylation and can participate in formation of CH3-CH2-O- species. Whereas the band at 3740 cm-1 is clearly observed at 25°C only, the other at 3650 cm-1 has been increasing with increase reaction temperature. The kinetic studies of ethylene decomposition showed, that the bands assigned to hydroxyl groups at 3650 and 3740 cm-1 appeared and disappeared in FTIR spectra within a reaction time. Therefore it is speculated, that formation of CH3-CH2-O- species as well as hydroxyl radicals with share of these OH groups is highly realistic. New appeared bands at 1542 and 1340 cm-1 are observed at higher temperatures, such as 50-150°C and can be attributed to the C=C stretching vibrations and -CH2 symmetric scissoring vibrations of adsorbed ethylene, respectively [13]. These studies indicated, that adsorption of ethylene could be increased at higher reaction temperatures, whereas high adsorption of hydroxyl groups on titania surface (the band at 3740 cm-1), which took place at 25°C disrupted interaction of ethylene molecules with titania surface. It was already reported in the literature [30], that ethylene is less strongly adsorbed onto the TiO2 surface than water. Negative impact of high adsorption of water molecules onto TiO2 surface during ethylene decomposition was also observed by the other researchers [13]. Therefore ethylene decomposition under UV at 25°C was much lower than at elevated temperatures. Lower adsorption of ethylene on titania surface resulted in lower degree of its decomposition. In Table 1 there is a list of some identified functional groups present on TiO2 surface during photocatalytic process of ethylene decomposition.
Figure 7 shows FTIR spectra, which are illustrating the changes in titania chemical surface, when it was supported on nickel foam and submitted to the photocatalytic ethylene decomposition at temperatures of 50 and 100°C. These FTIR spectra were recorded at different times of the photocatalytic process (1 min, 120 and 225 min). At 50°C new bands clearly appeared at 1542 and 1360 cm-1 within the progress of the photocatalytic process and the other bands at 1340 cm-1 and 3650 cm-1 were subtly visible also. At 100°C, the most intensive band was observed at 3740 cm-1, but this at 1542 cm-1 was poorly visible due to the high noise of the spectral signals. The band recorded at 1542 cm-1 can be assigned to C=C vibrations in the adsorbed ethylene, as it was described earlier or can be a result of ν(C=O) vibrations in the acetate ions (COO-) formed as the product of ethylene transformation [11,29]. Taking into account, that at 50°C the percentage of ethylene decomposition is decreasing with proceeding time of UV irradiation, it is stated, that band at 1542 cm-1 is related to some acetate species, which are byproducts of ethylene decomposition. According to some researchers [29], these species can be strongly held on TiO2 surface. In our previous studies [11], some acetate species were also identified on TiO2 surface upon ethylene decomposition with higher dose, 200 ppm. Therefore it can be concluded, that at 50°C there is an deactivation of TiO2 surface with time, due to the incomplete decomposition of ethylene, whereas at 100°C this process is insignificant and there is observed high adsorption of OH groups on the titania surface (band at 3740 cm-1), which most likely come from the ethylene mineralization. These adsorbed OH ions on TiO2 surface can take part in hydroxyl radicals formation, enhancing mineralization of ethylene species. Similar effect was observed by Park et al. [29].
In next step mechanism of p-BQ reaction with superoxide anionic radicals, which were formed on TiO2/nickel foam was studied at the presence of ethylene gas (50 ppm in air) and UV-LED irradiation. The measurements were performed at 25 and 100°C. The obtained FTIR spectra recorded during photocatalytic processes at the beginning, after 80 and 185-200 min, are presented in Figure 8 and Figure 9. It is clearly observed, that within proceeding time of reaction, p-benzoquinone reacts to hydroquinone. This was evidenced by a decrease in the intensity of the bands at 1560-1700 cm-1 assigned to the -C-C=O groups in p-BQ with simultaneous increase in the intensity of the bands at 1530-1400 cm-1 corresponding to the -OH groups in hydroquinone (HQ). In addition, the hydroxyl groups originally present on TiO2 surface are consumed in time of proceeding reactions (band at 2700-3600 cm-1 region). Furthermore, at 25°C (Figure 9) there is much higher increase in the intensity of the -OH groups assigned to HQ located in the ranges 3500-3050 and 1530-1400 cm-1 [31,32]. There is a high probability, that p-BQ undergoes photolysis under UV irradiation and water and then 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene (1,2,4-THB) is formed, which is further oxidized to HQ. Such mechanism was already reported in the literature [33]. High increase in the intensity of band at 3500-3050 cm-1 can be a results of overlapping both spectra, 1,2,4-THB and HQ. Such phenomenon was not observed at 100°C. It is stated, that at 25°C under UV irradiation there is desorption of water molecules physically bounded with the titania surface, which take part in the reaction of p-BQ photolysis. At 100°C titania surface is less hydroxylated than at ambient temperature and then mechanism of p-BQ conversion to HQ can proceed by the other pathway. In the absence of water p-BQ can be transformed to HQ through the photocatalytic reaction with TiO2 by scavenging electrons or superoxide anionic radicals [33]. These reactions are determined by the presence of oxygen and pH solution. In our studies application of p-BQ as a scavenger resulted in high suppressing of ethylene decomposition. It is concluded, that superoxide anionic radicals play an important role in the photocatalytic process of ethylene decomposition.
Measured FTIR spectra of titania surface during ethylene decomposition at the presence of EDTA (the hole scavenger) indicated, that adsorption of hydroxyl groups on TiO2 (the band at 3740 cm-1) was lower than in case of using TiO2 only. Scavenging of holes by EDTA caused, that OH groups were less attracted to the titania surface and as a consequence less quantities of hydroxyl radicals were formed. These studied revealed, that hydroxyl radicals generated by the reaction of holes with hydroxyl anions take part in ethylene decomposition as well. Scavenging of holes by EDTA decreased yield of ethylene removal from the gas stream. Contrary to that, addition of terephthalic acid (TA) to TiO2 did not caused any changes in the yield of the photocatalytic system. Recorded FTIR spectra of TiO2 surface during photocatalytic process did not indicate any changes in TA structure. It is stated, that reaction of TA with OH radicals formed upon TiO2 excitation was hindered due to the low mobility of these radicals and possible lack of contact. The other situation takes place in an aqueous medium, where hydroxyl radicals can easily desorb from titania surface and participate in the photocatalytic reactions.

4. Discussion

TiO2 supported on the nickel foam can be the sufficient photocatalyst for ethylene decomposition when reaction is conducted under UV and elevated temperatures, such as 100°C. At ambient temperature, TiO2, either supported on Ni foam or not, appeared to have the lowest activity. Most likely at this temperature mobility of electrons was lower than in the case of thermal conditions, moreover physically adsorbed water molecules on titania surface could participate in the speeding up recombination process. The certain amount of hydroxyl groups adsorbed on the titania surface is beneficial, because they can take part in reaction with photogenerated holes to form hydroxyl radicals. However high hydroxylation of TiO2 surface conducts to suppress of oxygen uptake by photogenerated electrons and limits formation of oxygen radicals [29]. It was also observed lower adsorption of ethylene on TiO2 surface at ambient temperature due to the high hydroxylation of surface. Increased adsorption of ethylene on TiO2 was noted at higher temperatures and was crucial to achieve higher yield of ethylene decomposition. However adsorbed ethylene was following decomposition to other species before reaching the total mineralization to CO2 and H2O. Therefore oxidation of formed reaction products with reactive radicals was necessary. Performed measurements of ethylene decomposition at the presence or radicals scavengers revealed, that superoxide anionic radicals played the main role in the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene. The highest yield of ethylene decomposition was achieved for process conducted at 100°C at the presence of TiO2 supported on nickel foam, almost no deactivation occurred, process was stable in time. Such promising results were obtained, because activation of nickel foam occurred at 100°C, most likely mobility of electrons was increased and some superoxide anionic radicals were formed on the border of Ni foam and TiO2. Nickel foam improved separation of free charges and enhanced formation of reactive radicals. Therefore no any byproducts were observed on TiO2 surface during photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene at the presence of TiO2/nickel foam at 100°C, the exceptions are hydroxyl anions, which were a source for hydroxyl radicals production. L. Chen et al. postulated, that superoxide anionic radicals played a key role in the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene [21]. The other researchers investigated formation of oxygen radicals upon ethylene decomposition in air and UV irradiation by EPR technique [29]. Firstly, they observed formation of hydroxyl radicals and Ti3+ centers, whereas later on O2- radicals appeared together with O3-. The authors explained that O3- radicals were formed through the reaction of hole trapping (O1-) with oxygen, and O2- radicals by oxygen adsorption on Ti3+ centers [29]. Our studies showed certain activity of photogenerated holes in ethylene decomposition. There is a probability, that both, O2- and O3- radicals are formed upon photocatalytic process.
These studies showed beneficial effect of using TiO2 supported on nickel foam, when process was carried out at 100°C. Separation of charge carriers in TiO2, dehydroxylation of surface and formation of superoxide anionic radicals are the most important issues for effective decomposition of ethylene in air.

5. Conclusions

Application of TiO2 supported on the nickel foam can enhance the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene under UV-LED irradiation and increased temperature up to 100°C. It was confirmed, that increase temperature of the photocatalytic process conducted to activation of nickel foam and TiO2 and caused enhanced generation of superoxide anionic radicals, which took place in ethylene decomposition. Nickel foam appeared to be an effective catalyst accelerating the photocatalytic process.

Author Contributions

M.T.: investigation, data curation, formal analysis, writing-original draft preparation, visualization; P.M. investigation, data curation, formal analysis, writing-original draft preparation, visualization; B.T.: conceptualization, methodology, writing-review and editing, project administration

Funding

This research was funded by the National Science Centre, Poland, grant number 2020/39/B/ST8/01514. This work APC was supported by Rector of the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin for PhD students of the Doctoral School, grant number ZUT/14/2023.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data will be available in repozytorium ZUT.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. A) Praying MantisTM Diffuse Reflection Accessory; B) The Praying Mantis™ High Temperature Reaction Chamber; C) The optical fibre with UV LED diode; D) the emission spectrum of UV LED diode.
Figure 1. A) Praying MantisTM Diffuse Reflection Accessory; B) The Praying Mantis™ High Temperature Reaction Chamber; C) The optical fibre with UV LED diode; D) the emission spectrum of UV LED diode.
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Figure 2. XRD pattern of TiO2.
Figure 2. XRD pattern of TiO2.
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Figure 3. Photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene under UV irradiation at various reaction temperatures at the presence of TiO2/KBr.
Figure 3. Photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene under UV irradiation at various reaction temperatures at the presence of TiO2/KBr.
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Figure 4. Photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene under UV irradiation at various reaction temperatures at the presence of TiO2/nickel foam.
Figure 4. Photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene under UV irradiation at various reaction temperatures at the presence of TiO2/nickel foam.
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Figure 5. Photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene at the presence of TiO2/nickel foam at 100oC with addition of some radicals scavengers.
Figure 5. Photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene at the presence of TiO2/nickel foam at 100oC with addition of some radicals scavengers.
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Figure 6. In situ FTIR spectra of titania surface during the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene using TiO2.
Figure 6. In situ FTIR spectra of titania surface during the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene using TiO2.
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Figure 7. In situ FTIR spectra of titania surface recorded during the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene using TiO2/nickel foam, A) at 50°C and B) at 100°C.
Figure 7. In situ FTIR spectra of titania surface recorded during the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene using TiO2/nickel foam, A) at 50°C and B) at 100°C.
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Figure 8. In situ FTIR spectra of titania surface during the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene using TiO2-p-BQ/nickel foam at 100°C.
Figure 8. In situ FTIR spectra of titania surface during the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene using TiO2-p-BQ/nickel foam at 100°C.
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Figure 9. In situ FTIR spectra of titania surface during the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene using TiO2-p-BQ/nickel foam at 25°C
Figure 9. In situ FTIR spectra of titania surface during the photocatalytic decomposition of ethylene using TiO2-p-BQ/nickel foam at 25°C
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Table 1. Characteristics of FTIR bands.
Table 1. Characteristics of FTIR bands.
Functional group Wavenumber [cm-1] Reference
C=C
C=O		 1542 [13]
-CH2 1340 [13]
H2O 2500-3600 [13]
-OH 3740, 3690, 3650 [11,13]
-OH 1620 [11]
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Copyright: This open access article is published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, which permit the free download, distribution, and reuse, provided that the author and preprint are cited in any reuse.
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