Carbon Nanotube-Threaded Mesocrystalline CeO<sub>2</sub> for Enhanced Photocatalytic NO Removal
Shuning Xiao, Ningyu Zhang, Ying Tao, Xueling Song, Guisheng Li, Hexing Li, Dieqing Zhang
Abstract
The synthesis of photocatalysts with rapid photogenerated electron transfer, strong reactant adsorption, and activation is urgent to promote photocatalytic NO oxidation. Herein, we construct a series of carbon nanotube (CNT)-threaded CeO2 mesocrystalline photocatalysts applying the microwave thermal method. The noncontinuous CNT-threaded structure provides two interfacial charge transport pathways for the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. The introduction of CNTs induces mesocrystalline CeO2 with surface Ce3+ and oxygen vacancies, which is in favor of adsorption and activation for reactants, further facilitating a deep oxidation pathway for NO removal. The optimal photocatalyst exhibits a remarkable conversion ratio for NO oxidation and NO3– selectivity in a recyclable way.