Selective oxidation of alcohols in aqueous suspensions of rhodium ion-modified TiO2 photocatalysts under irradiation of visible light

Photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohols in aqueous suspensions of rhodium ion-modified titanium(IV) oxide (Rh3+/TiO2) in the presence of O-2 under irradiation of visible light was examined. In the photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde was obtained in a high yield (97%) with >99% conversion of benzyl alcohol. Rh3+/TiO2 photocatalysts having various physical properties were prepared using commercially available TiO2 powders as supporting materials for Rh3+ to investigate the effect(s) of physical properties of TiO2 on photocatalytic activities of Rh3+/TiO2 for selective oxidation. Adsorption properties of benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde and benzoic acid on TiO2 were also investigated to understand the high benzaldehyde selectivity over the Rh3+/ TiO2 photocatalyst. The reaction mechanism was discussed on the basis of the results of photocatalytic oxidation of various p-substituted benzyl alcohol derivatives.