Lanthanum/titanium dioxide immobilized onto industrial waste with enhanced photocatalytic activity, and the degradation of dimethyl phthalate.

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) is an effective photocatalyst for organic removal. However, its efficacy is hampered by the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. This paper presented an eco-friendly, synthetic lanthanum (La)/TiO 2 supported on lithium silicon powder (L) to significantly improve photocatalysis. The results showed that 74.4% dimethyl phthalate (DMP) removal was achieved in the ultraviolet (UV)-La-TiO 2 /L (LTL1) system, which was considerably higher than UV-TiO 2 /L (TL) (60.1%) and UV-L (18.3%). The enhanced LTL1 photocatalysis was based on the synergic effect between TiO 2 and La with L matrix. The photocatalysis efficiency was further improved by hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), while the DMP removal rate reached 100% in the UV-LTL1-H 2 O 2 system. The DMP activation mechanisms and degradation pathways in the UV-LTL1-H 2 O 2 system were carefully examined, revealing that increased hydroxyl free radical (OH•) and superoxide ion radicals (O 2 −•) were pivotal to the higher degradation rate. Overall, the findings suggested that LTL1 showed considerable application promise for the low-cost and eco-friendly organic removal from water. [Display omitted] • TiO 2 photocatalytic effectiveness was significantly enhanced via supported on L. • LTL1 performed outstanding photodegradation for DMP in the UV-H 2 O 2 system. • UV-LTL1-H 2 O 2 systems can effectively eliminate DMP in a wide range of pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]