Abstract
Ga2O3-SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a sol-gel method and Pt was then immobilized on their surface via photo-assisted deposition (PAD). The produced samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence emission spectroscopy, and surface area measurements. The catalytic performances of the Ga2O3-SiO2 and Pt/ Ga2O3-SiO2 samples were evaluated for the degradation of cyanide using visible light. XRD and EDX results showed that the Pt was well dispersed within the Ga2O3-SiO2 phase and was detected on the surface of the catalyst, which confirmed the successful loading of Pt ions by the PAD method. BET results revealed that the surface area of Ga2O3-SiO2 was higher than that of Pt/Ga2O3-SiO2. 0.3 wt% Pt/Ga2O3-SiO2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for degradation of cyanide under visible light. The catalyst could be reused with no loss in activity for the first 10 cycles.
Pt/Ga2O3-SiO2 photocatalyst is able to degrade aqueous waste materials under visible light.