Carbon Nanotube-Threaded Mesocrystalline CeO2 for Enhanced Photocatalytic NO Removal.

The synthesis of photocatalysts with rapid photogenerated electron transfer, strong reactant adsorption, and activation is urgent to promote photocatalytic NO oxidation. Herein, we construct a series of carbon nanotube (CNT)-threaded CeO₂ mesocrystalline photocatalysts applying the microwave thermal method. The noncontinuous CNT-threaded structure provides two interfacial charge transport pathways for the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. The introduction of CNTs induces mesocrystalline CeO₂ with surface Ce³⁺ and oxygen vacancies, which is in favor of adsorption and activation for reactants, further facilitating a deep oxidation pathway for NO removal. The optimal photocatalyst exhibits a remarkable conversion ratio for NO oxidation and NO₃ ^- selectivity in a recyclable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]