Visible-light photocatalytic activity of Pt supported TiO2 combined with up-conversion luminescence agent (Er3+:Y3Al5O12) for hydrogen production from aqueous methanol solution.

Abstract: In this paper, a high effective up-conversion luminescence agent (Er3+:Y3Al5O12) is synthesized by sol–gel method, and then its corresponding visible-light photocatalyst (Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–TiO2) is successfully prepared by direct mixing and calcination methods. For comparison, Er3+:Y3Al5O12, Pt–TiO2 and Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–TiO2 are all characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). At first, the up-conversion luminescence properties of Er3+:Y3Al5O12 are reviewed by excitation spectrum in visible-light region and emission spectrum in ultraviolet-light region. And then, under visible-light irradiation the visible-light photocatalytic activity of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–TiO2 is examined through photocatalytic hydrogen production from aqueous methanol solution. Lastly, the influence factors such as Er3+:Y3Al5O12 and Pt–TiO2 mole ratio, heat-treated temperature and heat-treated time on the visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–TiO2 are studied. Particularly, Er3+:Y3Al5O12/Pt–TiO2 with 6:100 M ratio heat-treated at 550 °C for 90 min shows the highest photocatalytic activity in hydrogen production from aqueous methanol solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]