Utilize the UV-Visible Region for Reduction of NO by Methylene Blue-Doped TiO2 for Photocatalysis

Abstract

A photocatalyst that can adsorb particulate matter (PM) with an electric charge is a popular method for PM reduction. Some commonly used photocatalysts comprise single metal oxides such as TiO2 and ZnO, which could be utilized under ultraviolet (UV) region. However, because UV region constitutes a very small part of the total wavelength of sunlight, technology needs to be developed that allows the utilization of the visible region as well. Herein, we developed a new organic material that activated under not only UV region but also visible region by utilizing methylene blue (MB) with TiO2. To make the TiO2-MB film adsorb well, we discuss various solvents, concentration controls, and even coating methods. By conducting NO removal test, we showed that it is possible to reduce the PM more effectively by using TiO2-MB film than that achieved using TiO2 alone.