Ethanol photocatalysis on rutile TiO2(110): the role of defects and water.
In this work we present a stoichiometric reaction mechanism for the photocatalytic ethanol oxidation on TiO2(110). The reaction products are analyzed either under reaction conditions or after irradiation at lower temperatures. Water is identified as a quantitative by-product, which resides in a defect site. These water molecules cause a blocking of the defect sites which results in poisoning of the catalyst. By different preparation techniques of the TiO2(110) surface, the role of surface defects is further elucidated and the role of molecular oxygen is investigated. Based on the investigation, a complete photochemical reaction mechanism is given, which provides insights into general photon driven oxidation mechanisms on TiO2.
Chair of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Catalysis Research Center, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85748 Garching, Germany. ulrich.heiz@mytum.de.
Constantin A
CA
Walenta
Sebastian L
SL
Kollmannsberger
Josef
J
Kiermaier
Andreas
A
Winbauer
Martin
M
Tschurl
Ueli
U
Heiz