The effect of vinyl-containing ionic liquid on the photocatalytic activity of iron-doped TiO2

Visible light responsive iron-doped TiO 2 (Fe 3+ /TiO 2 -IL) was synthesized by sol–gel method using 1-vinyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide (VPIM + I − ) as a reaction medium. VPIM + I − not only made the morphological and structural changes of Fe 3+ /TiO 2 -IL, but also extended its absorption edge to the visible light region. The photocatalytic activity of Fe 3+ /TiO 2 -IL was tested in the degradation of 2-nitrophenol under simulated solar light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of Fe 3+ /TiO 2 -IL was higher than the samples prepared in the reaction medium without VPIM + I − . Moreover, the effect of pH and H 2 O 2 on the photocatalytic activity of Fe 3+ /TiO 2 -IL was also investigated. Fe 3+ /TiO 2 -IL showed high photocatalytic activity in acidic environment, and H 2 O 2 had a dual effect on the photocatalytic activity Fe 3+ /TiO 2 -IL.