Platinum modified indium oxide nanorods with enhanced photocatalytic activity on degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Platinum modified indium oxide nanorods (Pt/IONRs) were synthesized and applied for photocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). IONRs synthesized at 700 °C with 3 wt% Pt exhibited optimal activity in the degradation of PFOA. The improvement of photocatalytic efficiency is mainly ascribed to two aspects: the load of Pt and the rod-like structure, which could promote light harvesting and enhance the separation rate of charge carriers. Besides, the oxygen vacancies on the surface of photocatalyst may accelerate the degradation of PFOA as well. These results suggested that Pt/IONRs could be a promising photocatalyst for PFOA degradation.