Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of sulfate modified Nd-doped TiO2 under visible light irradiation

Nd-doped TiO2 (NT) photocatalysts with different contents of Nd were synthesized by sol-gel method. Then sulfated Nd-doped TiO2 (SNT) solid superacid photocatalysts were prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation technique. The photocatalytic activity of catalysts was evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. Analytical results demonstrated that Nd doping inhibited the growth of TiO2 crystallite and enhanced the thermal stability of anatase TiO2. Meanwhile, sulfate ions modification increased the specific surface area of samples. In addition, the optical absorption edges of SNT photocatalysts shifted to longer wavelength compared with the undoped TiO2. Such SNT with Nd dosage of 0.25 at.% exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue upon irradiation with visible light.