Preparation of novel TiP₂O₇ carbon composite using ion-exchanged resin (C467) and evaluation for photocatalytic decomposition of 2-propanol

TiP₂O₇ carbon composite photocatalyst was successfully prepared by using ion-exchanged resin (C467) containing amino phosphate by metal ion-exchanged carbothermal reduction (MIER-CTR) method using TiCl₃ and TiCl₄. During the carbonization process in nitrogen, the pre-oxidation (300-350°C) in air is essential for producing homogeneously dispersed TiP₂O₇ on the carbon matrix. In the absence of pre-oxidation, the resin was melted. The carbonization temperature 500°C was found to be suitable for producing single phase TiP₂O₇ with higher yields. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopic results suggest the formation of TiP₂O ₇, while X-ray diffraction results reveal that the crystallite size was less than 35nm. UV-Vis studies show that the band gap of TiP ₂O₇ was 3.32eV. The TiP₂O₇ carbon composite catalyst was applied for the photocatalytic decomposition of 2-propanol at 30°C using a mercury lamp (365nm).