Toluene decomposition using silver vanadate/SBA-15 photocatalysts: DRIFTS study of surface chemistry and recyclability

[Display omitted] ► SVO/SBA-15 composite was synthesized using a wetness impregnation procedure. ► SVO/SBA-15 has a much higher photodegradation ability than those of P25 and SVO. ► The mass spectra prove the main oxidation intermediate of toluene is benzaldehyde. ► A favorable crystalline phase, Brønsted, and Lewis acids are responsible for photoactivity. Silver vanadate (SVO) containing SBA-15 visible-light-driven photocatalyst was synthesized using the incipient wetness impregnation procedure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that the SVO/SBA-15 powders consisted of three kinds of phase: pure Ag 4V 2O 7 or pure α-Ag 3VO 4 or mixed phases of Ag 4V 2O 7 and α-Ag 3VO 4. The mass spectra indicate that the main oxidation intermediate of toluene is benzaldehyde. The sample loaded with 51 wt% SVO (51SVO/SBA-15) exhibited the best photocatalytic activity. The results of two consecutive cyclic runs and regeneration indicate that the accumulation of benzaldehyde causes an irreversible deactivation of P25, but no deactivation of 51SVO/SBA-15. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of 51SVO/SBA-15 is attributed to mixed crystalline phases of Ag 4V 2O 7 and α-Ag 3VO 4, where α-Ag 3VO 4 is the major component. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) confirms the presence of Brønsted and Lewis acids on the SVO/SBA-15 composites. A favorable crystalline phase combined with high intensities of Brønsted and Lewis acids is considered the main cause of the enhanced adsorption capacity, outstanding photoactivity, and long term stability of the SVO/SBA-15 composites.