Enhanced light-driven photothermocatalytic activity on selectively dissolved LaTi1−xMnxO3+δ perovskites by photoactivation

LaTi 1− x Mn x O 3+ δ ( x = 0.2 and 0.4) perovskite-type catalysts are synthesized by acrylamide polymerization route and etched with diluted HNO 3 for oxidation of toluene as one of typical volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The substitution of Mn cations improves catalytic activity (toluene conversion increased from 0 to 50.6% by substituting 40% of Ti cations with Mn cations) by improving abilities of light absorption and light-to-heat conversion, and acid etching further promotes catalytic activity (toluene conversion increased from 50.6%–95.6% for LaTi 0.6 Mn 0.4 O 3+ δ ) by enlarging specific surface area, generating more surface active oxygen, strengthening mobility of surface oxygen, and improving low-temperature reducibility. To explore the origin of the light-driven photothermocatalytic activity of A-LaTi 0.6 Mn 0.4 O 3+ δ by EPR analysis, O 2 desorption and H 2 consumption, we find that the light is not only as a thermal source to provide energy for toluene oxidation but also can promote oxidation reaction by photoactivation.