Crystal engineering of TiO2 enhanced photothermal catalytic degradation of DEHP on Pt catalysts

The crystal engineering of metal oxide supports aims to enhance the performance of precious metal catalysts in semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as one of the representative SVOCs in indoor environments, has become a research hotspot in recent years. For the catalytic oxidation of DEHP, Pt/TiO2 catalysts were prepared on supports of TiO2 with different crystalline phases (mixed phase (P25), anatase, and rutile). P25 exhibits a higher PtOx content due to its unique mixed crystalline phase, giving the best catalytic performance of the synthesized catalyst through light, thermal and photothermal catalytic experiments. The degradation of DEHP is optimized by a combination of photocatalysis and thermal catalysis. The intermediates and degradation pathways were analyzed through GC-MS and other characterization methods, and the possible degradation pathways were schematically studied. This work provides the possibility to rationalize the design of photothermal catalysts for SVOC removal.