Promotion of the photocatalytic activity of H4Nb 6O17 by modifying the layered structure

Abstract

The layered structure of H4Nb6O17 prepared by the proton exchange of K4Nb6O17 was modified by using various n-alkylamines as swelling agents to enlarge the interlayer space. The incorporation of TiO2 into the interlayer space was also attempted. XRD, EDX, and TG-DTA measurements were employed to characterize the products. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by NOx destruction under photo-irradiation with different light wavelengths. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of a layered compound could be significantly promoted just by enlarging the interlayer space of it. And the incorporation of TiO2 could further enhance the activity.