CERAMIC CORDIERITE/CeO2 FOR PHOTOCATALYTIC REDUCTION OF CO2

Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a challenging reaction attracting a lot of attention. Finding a novel, efficient and relatively cheap photocatalyst is the goal of many research teams all over the world. Cordierite ceramic materials containing ceria (CeO2) nanoparticles show interesting photocatalytic properties. Five ceramic cordierite/CeO2 samples prepared from talc, kaolin, vermiculite/CeO2 nanocomposite with various amounts of CeO2 were investigated for the photocatalytic reduction of CeO2. Samples were prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction method, specific surface area and nanoparticles CeO2 using transmission electron microscope. The photocatalytic activity of all samples was investigated in batch reactor irradiated by 8 IN Hg lamps (254 nm). The main products of the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 were methane and carbon monoxide. Hydrogen was also detected, however, it is a product of water splitting, not CO2 reduction. Nevertheless, the presence of water is necessary for the reaction as water serves as hydrogen source. The cordierite/CeO2 samples containing CeO2 from 4 to 9 wt.% showed higher activity of photocatalytic reduction of CO2 than commercial catalyst TiO2 P25. The finding that lower CeO2 amount of 5.1 and 3.9 wt. % produced the highest photocatalytic activity is in an agreement with the literary results.