Strategy for Modifying Layered Perovskites toward Efficient Solar Light-Driven Photocatalysts for Removal of Chlorinated Pollutants

• Main Authors: Monica Raciulete, Florica Papa, Catalin Negrila, Veronica Bratan, Cornel Munteanu, Jeanina Pandele-Cusu, Daniela C. Culita, Irina Atkinson, Ioan Balint
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-06-01
• Series: Catalysts
• Subjects: perovskite-type structure; ion-exchange; photocatalysis; TCE photodegradation; simulated solar light
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/10/6/637

We have explored an efficient strategy to enhance the overall photocatalytic performances of layered perovskites by increasing the density of hydroxyl group by protonation. The experimental procedure consisted of the slow replacement of interlayer Rb⁺ cation of RbLaTa₂O₇ Dion-Jacobson (DJ) perovskite by H⁺ via acid treatment. Two layered perovskites synthesized by mild (1200 °C for 18 h) and harsh (950 and 1200 °C, for 36 h) annealing treatment routes were used as starting materials. The successful intercalation of proton into D-J interlayer galleries was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analyses, ion chromatography and XPS results. In addition, the ion-exchange route was effective to enlarge the specific surface area, thus enhancing the supply of photocharges able to participate in redox processes involved in the degradation of organic pollutants. HLaTa_01 protonated layered perovskite is reported as a efficient photocatalyst for photomineralization of trichloroethylene (TCE) to Cl⁻ and CO₂ under simulated solar light. The enhanced activity is attributed to combined beneficial roles played by the increased specific surface area and high density of hydroxyl groups, leading to an efficiency of TCE mineralization of 68% moles after 5 h of irradiation.