Photocatalytic oxidation of ethylene to CO2 and H2O on ultrafine powdered TiO2 photocatalysts in the presence of O-2 and H2O

The complete photocatalytic oxidation of C2H4 With O-2 into CO2 and H2O has been achieved on ultrafine powdered TiO2 photocatalysts and the addition o f H2O was found to enhance the reaction. The details of the photocatalytic reaction have been studied by IR, ESR, and analysis of the reaction product s. UV irradiation of the photocatalysts at 275 K led to the photocatalytic oxidation of C2H4 with O-2 into CO2, CO, and H2O. The large surface area of the photocatalyst is one of the most important factors in achieving a high efficiency in the photocatalytic oxidation of C2H4. The photo-formed OH sp ecies as well as O-2(-) and O-3(-) anion radicals play a significant role a s a key active species in the complete photocatalytic oxidation of C2H4 wit h O-2 into CO2 and H2O. (C) 1999 Academic Press.