Promoted photocatalytic conversion of ethyl mercaptan by Fe2O3-loaded ZnTi-LDH

Ethyl mercaptan is a typical volatile pollutant with strong irritating odor and very low olfactory threshold. A small amount of exhaust emissions will cause a very bad impact on the surrounding environment and human health. A novel Fe2O3-loaded ZnTi-layered double hydroxide (Fe2O3–ZnTi-LDH) photocatalytic material was prepared by hydrothermal method. The physical and chemical properties of Fe2O3–ZnTi-LDH and its corresponding precursors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (ATR, FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, Ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflection spectrum (UV–vis DRS), and Mott–Schottky (MS) method. The photocatalytic performance of the material is evaluated under a static condition. The results show that the uniform distribution of Fe2O3 on ZnTi-LDH improves the photocatalytic efficiency of the Fe2O3–ZnTi-LDH. At the same time, the interaction between the Fe2O3 and the ZnTi-LDHs further enhances the catalytic stability of the Fe2O3–ZnTi-LDH. The results also show a significant synergistic effect between Fe2O3 and ZnTi-LDH. Fe2O3–ZnTi-LDH provides a new catalyst structure for photocatalytic conversion of ethyl mercaptan and a new research idea for the treatment of ethyl mercaptan.