The structure feature of layered M1/3TiNbO5 (M=Fe, Ce) and their photocatalytic oxidization performance for ethyl mercaptan

Layered photocatalytic materials M1/3TiNbO5 (M = Fe, Ce) were prepared by ion-exchange of KTiNbO5 with M(NO3)3. The parent KTiNbO5 was synthesized with titanium (IV) isopropoxide and niobium oxalate by a novel polymerized complex (PC) method. The micro-structures and spectral response features of the as-prepared samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). The results revealed that there was a significant interaction between the interlayer cation and the terminal NbO (TiO) bond in the NbO6 (TiO6) unit of the laminates. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated in oxidation of ethyl mercaptan under natural and UV light irradiation. It can be deduced that the photocatalytic oxidization performance can be directly affected by the characteristics of the interlayer cations. The photocatalytic materials Fe1/3TiNbO5 and Ce1/3TiNbO5 are obtained via ion-exchange of the parent KTiNbO5 prepared by a novel polymerized complex (PC) method. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated in oxidation of ethyl mercaptan under natural and UV light irradiation. Results revealed that the adsorption features and photocatalytic performance are affected by the interlayer cations. The S atom in EM can be oxidized into sulfate or carboxylate directly under UV light irradiation. Especially, the Ce1/3TiNbO5 has more depth photocatalytic oxidation ability under UV light radiation than KTiNbO5. Compared with KTiNbO5 and Ce1/3TiNbO5, Fe1/3TiNbO5 exhibits the best photocatalytic performance and can oxidize S and C atoms into sulphate and carboxylic acid no matter under natural light or UV light irradiation. [Display omitted] •The novel photocatalytic materials based on Fe3+/Ce3+ exchanged into KTiNbO5 were prepared.•The interaction between the interlayer cation and the laminate was be found.•Fe1/3TiNbO5 and Ce1/3TiNbO5 were first used to photocatalytic oxidation desulfurization.