Abstract

The influence of activated carbon on the activity of TiO2 in toluene photooxidation was studied to verify the efficiency of both materials working ensemble. Results showed that surface pH and more strongly the surface area of activated carbon influence the TiO2 photoactivity. Results suggest that toluene adsorbed on carbon diffuses to TiO2 where photooxidation takes place. In conclusion, TiO2-activated carbon was able to perform the photooxidation of toluene for at least two consecutive runs more efficiently than TiO2 alone. Combination of adsorption on activated carbon and oxidative photocatalysis on TiO2 is a promising direction for removal of pollutant from air.