U.S. patent application number 14/120423 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for method for preparing visible light-responsive photocatalyst and visible light-responsive photocatalyst intermediate.
The applicant listed for this patent is KANAGAWA UNIVERSITY. Invention is credited to Yoko IMAI, Kazuo TAJIMA.
Application Number | 20160151763 14/120423 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50231054 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160151763 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
TAJIMA; Kazuo ; et
al. |
June 2, 2016 |
METHOD FOR PREPARING VISIBLE LIGHT-RESPONSIVE PHOTOCATALYST AND
VISIBLE LIGHT-RESPONSIVE PHOTOCATALYST INTERMEDIATE
Abstract
To provide a method for preparing a visible light-responsive
photocatalyst and a visible light-responsive photocatalyst
intermediate, a usage of a visible light-responsive photocatalyst,
and the visible light-responsive photocatalyst, the method enabling
arbitrary setting of the amount of solvent, thus making it possible
to prepare composite fine particles of gold colloids and titanium
oxide fine particles in high yield. A method for preparing a
visible light-responsive photocatalyst or a visible
light-responsive photocatalyst intermediate includes the step of
forming a disperse system including an oil liquid containing an
organic titanium complex as a dispersant, and an aqueous dispersion
containing gold colloids as a dispersoid, and the visible
light-responsive photocatalyst or the visible light-responsive
photocatalyst intermediate enables the organic titanium complex to
undergo hydrolysis to cause clathration of gold colloids, thus
forming a clathrate.
Inventors: |
TAJIMA; Kazuo; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; IMAI; Yoko; (Kanagawa, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KANAGAWA UNIVERSITY |
Kanagawa |
|
JP |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150251166 A1 |
September 10, 2015 |
|
|
Family ID: |
50231054 |
Appl. No.: |
14/120423 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/157.51;
502/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01J 35/004 20130101;
B01J 37/033 20130101; B01J 19/127 20130101; B01J 37/0213 20130101;
B01J 37/04 20130101; B01J 37/0203 20130101; B01J 35/006 20130101;
B01J 21/063 20130101; B01J 37/0221 20130101; B01J 37/345 20130101;
B01J 23/52 20130101; B01J 37/0225 20130101; B01J 35/008 20130101;
B01J 37/0209 20130101; B01J 35/08 20130101; B01J 37/08 20130101;
B01J 37/035 20130101; B01J 35/0013 20130101; B01J 37/0228 20130101;
B01J 37/0211 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01J 23/52 20060101
B01J023/52; B01J 35/00 20060101 B01J035/00; B01J 37/03 20060101
B01J037/03; B01J 21/06 20060101 B01J021/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 2013 |
JP |
2013-045977 |
Claims
1. A method for preparing a visible light-responsive photocatalyst
or a visible light-responsive photocatalyst intermediate, the
method comprising the step of forming a disperse system comprising
an oil liquid containing an organic titanium complex as a
dispersant, and an aqueous dispersion containing gold colloids as a
dispersoid, wherein the organic titanium complex undergoes
hydrolysis to cause clathration of gold colloids, thus forming a
clathrate.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the organic titanium
complex and the gold colloids are used in the amount such that a
molar ratio of Au:Ti becomes 1:150 to 1:1,000.
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
separating the clathrate from the disperse system.
4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of
heating the clathrate at a temperature lower than an anatase phase
transition temperature or a temperature lower than 350.degree.
C.
5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
bonding the clathrate to a substrate on which a fixing agent is
bonded, through the fixing agent.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the fixing agent
contains a polyvalent metal alkoxide or an alkoxysilane.
7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of
drying the clathrate fixed to the substrate.
8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of
heating the clathrate after drying at a temperature lower than an
anatase phase transition temperature or a temperature lower than
350.degree. C.
9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of
removing some adsorbed substances existing on a surface of the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst to regenerate catalytic
activity.
10. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of
removing some adsorbed substances existing on a surface of the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst to regenerate catalytic
activity.
11. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of
removing some adsorbed substances existing on a surface of the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst to regenerate catalytic
activity.
12. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of
removing some adsorbed substances existing on a surface of the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst to regenerate catalytic
activity.
13. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of
removing some adsorbed substances existing on a surface of the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst to regenerate catalytic
activity.
14. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of
removing some adsorbed substances existing on a surface of the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst to regenerate catalytic
activity.
15. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of
removing some adsorbed substances existing on a surface of the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst to regenerate catalytic
activity.
16. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of
removing some adsorbed substances existing on a surface of the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst to regenerate catalytic
activity.
17. The method according to claim 16, the removal includes the step
of heating at a temperature lower than an anatase phase transition
temperature or a temperature lower than 350.degree. C.
18. A usage of a visible light-responsive photocatalyst, comprising
the step of irradiating the visible light-responsive photocatalyst
comprising a clathrate in which at least a part of gold particles
is clathrated by trivalent titanium oxide with light of which total
illuminance of wavelengths within a range of 400 to 650 nm is 0.040
mW/cm2 or more.
19. A visible light-responsive photocatalyst which is used by being
irradiated with light of which total illuminance of wavelengths
within a range of 400 to 650 nm is 0.040 mW/cm2 or more and
comprises a clathrate in which at least a part of gold particles is
clathrated by trivalent titanium oxide.
Description
[0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-045977, filed on
7 Mar. 2013, the content of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a method for preparing a
visible light-responsive photocatalyst and a visible
light-responsive photocatalyst intermediate, a usage of a visible
light-responsive photocatalyst, and the visible light-responsive
photocatalyst.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Numerous products have recently been developed by utilizing
an oxidation-reduction reaction with a semiconductor photocatalyst.
There have been developed practical products for everyday life, for
example, tunnel lightings which exhibit a self-cleansing action due
to a photocatalyst applied, tiles which exhibit an antibacterial
action due to a photocatalyst added, clothes made by knitting
fibers mixed with a photocatalyst, and the like.
[0006] Most of photocatalysts used in these products are titanium
oxides. Titanium oxide is widely used because of the following
reasons. That is, titanium oxide exhibits extremely high catalytic
activity upon irradiation with light and also does not dissolve in
water or an organic solvent; and titanium oxide is stable,
non-toxic, comparatively inexpensive, and has a plenitude of
natural resources.
[0007] Brookite-type, anatase-type, rutile-type, and the like are
known as crystal forms of titanium oxide. In order to enable the
titanium oxide to exhibit a photocatalytic function, anatase-type
requires ultraviolet light of 380 nm or less, and rutile-type
requires ultraviolet light of 400 nm or less. However, main light
constituting sunlight is visible light having wavelength of 400 nm
to 800 nm, and the amount of ultraviolet light of 380 nm or less
required for titanium oxide to exhibit a photocatalytic function
only accounts for about 3% of the total light. That is, the amount
of ultraviolet light of sunlight is a very small amount as light
which enables exhibition of a photocatalytic function of titanium
oxide. Main light of a fluorescent lamp is also visible light
having a wavelength of 400 nm to 650 nm.
[0008] In light of these circumstances, there is an urgent need to
develop a visible light-responsive catalyst which does not respond
to ultraviolet light which only exists in a small amount, but
respond to visible light which can be gained in a large amount,
leading to activation.
[0009] There has been found, as a visible light sensitization
method of titanium oxide, a method in which composite fine
particles of gold colloids and titanium oxide fine particles are
formed and plasmon-mediated light emission of gold colloids are
utilized. There has also been developed, as a method for preparing
composite fine particles of gold colloids and titanium oxide, a
method in which composite fine particles are prepared by a reverse
micelle method (see Patent Document 1).
[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application,
Publication No. 2005-342601
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] However, in the case composite fine particles of gold
colloids and titanium oxide are prepared by a reverse micelle
method, there was a problem that gold colloids only exist in part
of reversed micelles, resulting in poor yield, and also a large
amount of solvent is required. Therefore, the method for preparing
composite fine particles of gold colloids and titanium oxide using
a reverse micelle method was not practical as a method for
preparing a visible light-responsive photocatalyst.
[0012] The present invention has been made in light of the
above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide
a method for preparing a visible light-responsive photocatalyst and
a visible light-responsive photocatalyst intermediate, which does
not require a large amount of solvent, and is also capable of
preparing composite fine particles of gold colloids and titanium
oxide fine particles in high yield, and also a usage of the visible
light-responsive photocatalyst and the visible light-responsive
photocatalyst.
[0013] The present inventors have found that formation of a
disperse system, which includes an oil liquid containing an organic
titanium complex as a dispersant, and an aqueous dispersion
containing gold colloids as a dispersoid, thus making it possible
to enable arbitrary setting of the amount of solvent, and to
prepare a visible light-responsive photocatalyst in high yield,
therefor the present invention has been completed. Specifically,
the present invention provides the followings.
[0014] (1) A method for preparing a visible light-responsive
photocatalyst or a visible light-responsive photocatalyst
intermediate, the method including the step of forming a disperse
system comprising an oil liquid containing an organic titanium
complex as a dispersant, and an aqueous dispersion containing gold
colloids as a dispersoid, wherein
[0015] the organic titanium complex undergoes hydrolysis to cause
clathration of gold colloids, thus forming a clathrate.
[0016] (2) The method according to (1), wherein the organic
titanium complex and the gold colloids are used in the amount such
that a molar ratio of Au:Ti becomes 1:150 to 1:1,000.
[0017] (3) The method according to (1) or (2), further including
the step of separating the clathrate from the disperse system.
[0018] (4) The method according to (3), further including the step
of heating the clathrate at a temperature lower than an anatase
phase transition temperature or a temperature lower than
350.degree. C.
[0019] (5) The method according to any one of (1) to (4), further
including the step of bonding the clathrate to a substrate on which
a fixing agent is bonded, through the fixing agent.
[0020] (6) The method according to (5), wherein the fixing agent
contains a polyvalent metal alkoxide or an alkoxysilane.
[0021] (7) The method according to (5) or (6), further including
the step of drying the clathrate fixed to the substrate.
[0022] (8) The method according to (7), further including the step
of heating the clathrate after drying at a temperature lower than
an anatase phase transition temperature or a temperature lower than
350.degree. C.
[0023] (9) The method according to any one of (1) to (8), further
including the step of removing some adsorbed substances existing on
a surface of the visible light-responsive photocatalyst to
regenerate catalytic activity.
[0024] (10) The method according to (9), the removal includes the
step of heating at a temperature lower than an anatase phase
transition temperature or a temperature lower than 350.degree.
C.
[0025] (11) A usage of a visible light-responsive photocatalyst,
comprising the step of irradiating a visible light-responsive
photocatalyst comprising a clathrate in which at least a part of
gold particles is clathrated by trivalent titanium oxide with light
of which total illuminance of wavelengths within a range of 400 to
650 nm is 0.040 mW/cm.sup.2 or more.
[0026] (12) A visible light-responsive photocatalyst which is used
by being irradiated with light of which total illuminance of
wavelengths within a range of 400 to 650 nm is 0.040 mW/cm.sup.2 or
more and comprises a clathrate in which at least a part of gold
particles is clathrated by trivalent titanium oxide.
[0027] According to the present invention, formation of a disperse
system including an oil liquid containing an organic titanium
complex as a dispersant, and an aqueous dispersion containing gold
colloids as a dispersoid,
[0028] thus making it possible to enable arbitrary setting of the
amount of solvent, and to prepare a visible light-responsive
photocatalyst in high yield.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a graph showing that a powder-type visible
light-responsive photocatalyst, which is obtained by a preparation
method according to an example of the present invention, responds
to visible light to be imparted with activity.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a graph showing that a powder-type visible
light-responsive photocatalyst, which is obtained in an example of
the present invention, undergoes reheating to regenerate
activity.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a graph showing that a powder-type visible
light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared by forming a
W/O-type emulsion in an example of the present invention, responds
to visible light to be imparted with activity.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a graph showing that a powder-type visible
light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared from a W/O-type
emulsion without using an emulsifier in an example of the present
invention, responds to visible light to be imparted with
activity.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a graph showing that a substrate fixing-type
visible light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared in an
example of the present invention, has activity for decomposition of
methyl orange.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a graph showing that a substrate fixing-type
visible light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared in an
example of the present invention, has activity for decomposition of
tryptophan.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a graph showing that a substrate fixing-type
visible light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared in an
example of the present invention, has activity for decomposition of
tryptophan.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a graph showing that a substrate fixing-type
visible light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared in an
example of the present invention, undergoes reheating to regenerate
activity.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a graph showing that a substrate fixing-type
visible light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared in an
example of the present invention, undergoes reheating to regenerate
activity.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a graph showing that a visible light-responsive
photocatalyst, which is prepared in an example of the present
invention, loses activity after heating under the conditions that
titanium oxide is converted into an anatase-type titanium
oxide.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a graph showing that a substrate fixing-type
visible light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared in an
example of the present invention, decomposes methyl orange when
irradiated with light from a mercury fluorescent lamp or a white
LED fluorescent lamp.
[0040] FIG. 12(A) is a graph showing wavelength distributions of
the mercury fluorescent lamp and the white LED fluorescent lamp.
FIG. 12(B) is a graph showing an absorption wavelength of gold
colloids.
[0041] FIG. 13 is a graph showing that a substrate fixing-type
visible light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared in an
example of the present invention, decomposes methyl orange when
irradiated with light having a wavelength of 525 nm from a white
LED fluorescent lamp.
[0042] FIG. 14 is a graph showing that an absorption peak near 465
nm of methyl orange is reduced when a substrate fixing-type visible
light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared in an example of
the present invention, is irradiated with light having a wavelength
of 525 nm, 750 nm, or 405 nm from each LED lamp.
[0043] FIG. 15 is a graph showing that an absorption peak near 280
nm of methyl orange is reduced when a substrate fixing-type visible
light-responsive photocatalyst, which is prepared in an example of
the present invention, is irradiated with light having a wavelength
of 525 nm, 750 nm, or 405 nm from each LED lamp.
[0044] FIG. 16 is a graph showing a relationship between a time
period during which the light from the mercury fluorescent lamp or
white LED fluorescent lamp is irradiated and a residual ratio of
methyl orange in the case where the illuminance of the white LED
fluorescent lamp of the graph shown in FIG. 11 is corrected to be a
value equal to the illuminance of the mercury fluorescent lamp of
the graph shown in FIG. 11 and the residual ratio of methyl orange
of the graph shown in FIG. 11 is corrected in accordance with the
illuminance correction.
[0045] FIG. 17 is a graph showing a relationship between a light
irradiation period and a methyl orange residual ratio when
irradiating a substrate fixing-type visible light-responsive
photocatalyst, which is prepared in an example of the present
invention, with light of various values of illuminance from a
mercury fluorescent lamp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] While embodiments of the present invention will be described
below, the present invention is not particularly limited
thereto.
[0047] A preparation method of the present invention includes the
step of forming a disperse system including an oil liquid
containing an organic titanium complex as a dispersant, and an
aqueous dispersion containing gold colloids as a dispersoid. This
enables arbitrary setting of the amount of solvent, thus making it
possible to prepare a visible light-responsive photocatalyst
intermediate or a visible light-responsive photocatalyst in high
yield.
[0048] The visible light-responsive photocatalyst refers to a
catalyst which responds to a wavelength in a visible light region
to exhibit activity. The visible light-responsive photocatalyst
intermediate is a precursor of the visible light-responsive
photocatalyst, and it is converted into a visible light-responsive
photocatalyst by dehydration condensation of titanium hydroxide
contained in the intermediate. As long as titanium hydroxide
undergoes dehydration condensation, the method is not particularly
limited. For example, dehydration condensation may be performed by
performing processing such as heating.
[0049] The organic titanium complex is hydrolyzed into titanium
hydroxide at an aqueous dispersion interface to cause clathration
of gold colloids, thus forming a clathrate. The aqueous dispersion
contains gold colloids in advance. Furthermore, formation of a
disperse system of the present invention enables holding of gold
colloids in the dispersion. Therefore, in the place where an
organic titanium complex undergoes hydrolysis to form titanium
hydroxide, gold colloids exist with high probability. Therefore, a
yield of the clathrate formed by clathration of gold colloids due
to titanium hydroxide increases, thus enabling reduction in amount
of gold colloids to be used in the preparation of the visible
light-responsive catalyst. Meanwhile, in the case of forming
reversed micelles, the organic titanium complex undergoes
hydrolysis in reversed micelles. However, since gold colloids exist
only in part of the reversed micelles, the amount of titanium
hydroxide which causes clathration of gold colloids becomes small.
Namely, according to the present invention, it is possible to
prepare a visible light-responsive photocatalyst in higher yield
than a method for preparing a visible light-responsive
photocatalyst using a conventional reverse micelle method.
[0050] Because of low yield in the method for preparing a visible
light-responsive catalyst using a reverse micelle method, it is
necessary to use a large amount of solvent so as to prepare a large
amount of the visible light-responsive catalyst. To the contrary,
formation of the disperse system of the present invention enables
arbitrary setting of the amount of the solvent without
indispensably requiring a large amount of the solvent.
[0051] In the dispersoid, stirring may be performed so as to
uniformly disperse gold colloid particles and titanium hydroxide.
In the aqueous dispersion in which the clathrate exists, impurity
ion species and organic substances, which do not interact with
titanium ions, may or may not exist.
[0052] There is no particular limitation on a ratio of the organic
titanium complex to the gold colloids, but a molar ratio Au:Ti is
preferably from 1:1 to 1:1,500, more preferably from 1:500 to
1:1,200, and most preferably from 1:700 to 1:1,000, in view of
being capable of reducing the amount of the gold colloids. From
another point of view, a ratio of the organic titanium complex to
the gold colloids is preferably from 1:150 to 1:1,000, more
preferably from 1:200 to 1:800, most preferably from 1:250 to
1:500, in terms of a molar ratio Au:Ti, in view of high catalytic
activity.
[0053] The organic titanium complex is not particularly limited as
long as it undergoes hydrolysis to form titanium hydroxide, and may
also be, for example, a titanium alkoxide. The titanium alkoxide
includes, for example, tetramethoxytitanium, tetraethoxytitanium
(TEOT), tetrapropoxytitanium, tetraisopropoxytitanium,
tetrabutoxytitanium (TBOT), tetraisobutoxytitanium,
diisopropoxydibutoxytitanium, di-tert-butoxydiisopropoxytitanium,
tetra-tert-butoxytitanium, tetraisooctoxytitanium, and
tetrastearoxytitanium. These titanium alkoxides can be used alone
or as a mixture of two or more kinds thereof.
[0054] The organic titanium complex is hydrolyzed into titanium
hydroxide. Titanium hydroxides are converted into trivalent titania
as a result of mutual condensation reaction. In the present
invention, a violet-colored trivalent titania as a clathrate is
converted into a visible light-responsive photocatalyst.
Hereinafter, description will be made on a mechanism in which
trivalent titania functions as the visible light-responsive
photocatalyst.
[0055] Titanium oxide in the clathrate exists as trivalent titania.
The trivalent titania is oxidized and transits to tetravalent
titania (anatase-type) by irradiation with visible light in the
presence of oxygen. In that case, oxygen radicals are generated to
decompose a compound containing benzene ring or unsaturated bond. A
state of trivalent titania cannot be maintained in the oxygen
atmosphere. If trivalent titania transits to energetically stable
tetravalent anatase-type titania, the tetravalent anatase-type
titania does not return to trivalent titania. According to
resolution by the above-mentioned transition, it is impossible to
utilize repeatedly or to utilize over a long period of time.
[0056] If the clathrate is irradiated with visible light, gold
colloid particles in the clathrate causes plasmon-mediated light
emission. In that case, electron transfer arises in trivalent
titania to generate active oxygen. Namely, inclusion of gold
colloids in the clathrate enables repetitive generation of active
oxygen in a state of trivalent titania when irradiated with visible
light. In other words, it is considered that the change into
tetravalent titania is suppressed by the gold colloid even when the
electron transfer arises in trivalent titania. It is also
considered that trivalent titania changes into tetravalent titania
in the clathrate in which the gold colloid is not present, and the
tetravalent titania remains as it is to cause deactivation of the
clathrate. The active oxygen thus generated has resolution of
benzene ring or unsaturated bond.
[0057] According to the present invention, light absorption site of
a substance to be decomposed has resolution whether it exists in
either a visible light region or an ultraviolet light site. For
example, it is possible to decompose a benzene ring or an
unsaturated bond of methyl orange (MO) (Chem.1), tryptophan
(Chem.2), Quercetin (Chem.3) as a dye, fenitrothion (Chem.4) as a
pesticide, Sunset Yellow (Chem.5) as an edible yellow colorant,
2,4-D (Chem.6) as a herbicide, and the like. It is also possible to
decompose a state of the substance to be decomposed in a vapor
phase, a liquid phase, and a solid phase.
[Chem.1]
[Chem.2]
[Chem.3]
[Chem.4]
[Chem.5]
[Chem.6]
[0058] The wavelength of light, with which the visible
light-responsive photocatalyst in the present invention is
irradiated, is not particularly limited as long as it is visible
light and the wavelength imparts photocatalytic activity. In view
of particularly high catalytic activity, the wavelength is
preferably from 400 to 700 nm, more preferably from 400 to 650 nm,
and still more preferably from 400 to 600 nm.
[0059] The visible light-responsive photocatalyst of the present
invention has activity power against molecules containing benzene
ring or unsaturated bond if light source species are lights
including visible light, such as sunlight. Since illuminance in the
visible light region of a fluorescent lamp is about 90 times that
in the ultraviolet light region, the present invention is useful in
that it has visible light-responsive photocatalytic activity in
indoor environment where the fluorescent lamp is used.
[0060] The disperse system is not particularly limited as long as
it includes an oil liquid containing an organic titanium complex as
a dispersant, and an aqueous dispersion containing gold colloids as
a dispersoid. In view of higher yield, the disperse system is
preferably a disperse system which forms a W/O-type microemulsion
and a W/O-type emulsion. In view of being capable of imparting
particularly high yield and high catalytic activity, the disperse
system is preferably a disperse system which forms a W/O-type
emulsion.
[0061] The W/O-type emulsion refers to a disperse system in which
water is dispersed in oil. The W/O-type microemulsion refers to a
disperse system in which water is dispersed in oil, especially in
which the size of water droplets of an emulsion is about 100 nm or
less.
[0062] The aqueous dispersion containing gold colloids to be used
may be prepared by any method as long as it is a conventionally
known method. It is possible to use an aqueous dispersion prepared,
for example, by boiling an aqueous chloroauric acid solution while
stirring, and adding a reducing agent such as sodium citrate, thus
reducing by heating. Alternatively, gold ions may be reduced by a
reducing agent. Since a substance capable of interacting with
titanium ions exerts an influence on the preparation of a visible
light-responsive photocatalyst intermediate, it is preferred that
such substance is not contained.
[0063] In case the disperse system forms a W/O-type microemulsion,
first, water containing an emulsifier is mixed with oil.
Thereafter, emulsification is performed while stirring at high
speed using a homogenizer or the like to form a W/O-type
microemulsion. In that case, when it is not easy to directly form a
W/O-type emulsion, after making an oil/water separation state in
which an O/W-type microemulsion is formed in an aqueous phase and a
W/O-type microemulsion is formed in an oil phase, respectively, a
W/O-type microemulsion phase may be taken out. Subsequently, the
aqueous dispersion containing gold colloids is held in the W/O-type
microemulsion phase. By mixing the oil liquid containing an organic
titanium complex, the organic titanium complex is hydrolyzed at a
W/O-type microemulsion interface to cause clathration of gold
colloids in the microemulsion, thus forming a clathrate.
[0064] In the W/O-type microemulsion, gold colloids are contained
in almost all of the emulsion. Therefore, the amount of gold
colloids to be used can be reduced, and thus making it possible to
prepare a clathrate in high yield. The W/O-type microemulsion has a
particle diameter of several tens nm.
[0065] In case the disperse system forms a W/O-type emulsion, an
emulsifier and an aqueous dispersion containing gold colloids are
added to an oil. Subsequently, when the oil liquid containing an
organic titanium complex is mixed, the organic titanium complex is
hydrolyzed at a W/O-type emulsion interface to cause clathration of
gold colloids in the emulsion, thus forming a clathrate.
[0066] In the W/O-type emulsion, gold colloids are contained in
almost all of the emulsion. The W/O-type emulsion has a particle
diameter of 500 to 3,000 nm, and the amount of emulsifiable water
is larger than that in the case of forming a W/O-type
microemulsion. Therefore, it is possible to obtain in higher yield
than that in the case of forming a W/O-type microemulsion.
[0067] In case the disperse system forms a W/O-type microemulsion
or a W/O-type emulsion, emulsification is performed by conventional
surfactant emulsification or three-phase emulsification.
[0068] The three-phase emulsification refers to an emulsification
method using vesicles to be formed by amphiphiles, or a
dispersant/emulsifying agent containing single-particulate
biopolymer as a main component.
[0069] Examples of the vesicle formed of amphiphiles include, but
are not limited to, derivatives of polyoxyethylene hardened castor
oil, dialkylammonium derivatives, trialkylammonium derivatives,
tetraalkylammonium derivatives, dialkenylammonium derivatives,
trialkenylammonium derivatives, or derivatives of halogen salts of
tetraalkenylammonium derivatives.
[0070] The biopolymer includes, for example, one or more
biopolymers selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides
produced from microorganisms; phospholipid; polyesters;
polysaccharides such as starch derived from organisms; and
chitosan
[0071] Specific examples of polysaccharides produced by
microorganisms include those produced from microorganisms using, as
constituents, some saccharides selected from among monosaccharides
such as ribose, xylose, rhamnose, fucose, glucose, mannose,
glucuronic acid, and gluconic acid.
[0072] When using vesicles in three-phase emulsification, it is
preferred to set an average particle diameter of the vesicles
within a range from 8 nm to 500 nm in the case of forming an
emulsion by the following reason. The particle diameter of less
than 8 nm may lead to a decrease in sucking action due to the van
der Waals force, and thus the vesicles are less likely to adhere to
a surface of oil droplets. The particle diameter of more than 500
nm may fail to maintain a stable emulsion (see, for example,
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No.
2006-241424).
[0073] In case a W/O-type emulsion is formed, it is not necessary
to use particles or a surfactant so as to stabilize emulsification.
However, it is necessary to continuously stir until titanium
alkoxides are completely hydrolyzed.
[0074] The oil liquid serving as a dispersant is not particularly
limited and includes, for example, cyclohexane, liquid paraffin,
gas oil, and the like. It is preferred to use an oil liquid which
is less likely to remain during a post-treatment such as
heating.
[0075] In the present invention, the drying step may be included so
as to separate a clathrate. The separating method is not
particularly limited, and a reaction product may be precipitated by
a centrifugal separator, followed by the removal of the
precipitate. In this case, the precipitate may be washed with
acetone, alcohol, water, and the like.
[0076] The drying method is not particularly limited and, for
example, the precipitate may be dried by heating. In that case,
drying temperature or drying time, which enables drying of the
clathrate, may be appropriately selected. Specifically, the
clathrate may be dried at a temperature of 60 to 80.degree. C.
[0077] The present invention may further include the step of
heating the clathrate after drying. In this case, it is preferred
to heat at a temperature lower than the temperature at which
trivalent titania undergoes anatase phase transition. Specifically,
the temperature is preferably lower than 350.degree. C., more
preferably lower than 300.degree. C., and still more preferably
lower than 250.degree. C. In order to sufficiently remove the
solvent, heating is preferably performed at 200.degree. C. or
higher. Also in view of being capable of imparting the highest
activity to the catalyst, heating is preferably performed at
200.degree. C. or higher. The heating time may be appropriately
selected depending on the amount of the clathrate or the heating
temperature. Too long heating time may cause transition to an
anatase phase, and thus the heating time is preferably heating time
which does not cause transition of trivalent titania to the anatase
phase.
[0078] The above heating operation enables titanium hydroxide to
undergo dehydration condensation. Titanium hydroxide is converted
into trivalent titania through hydration condensation to form
composite fine particles (Au/TiO.sub.x) of trivalent titania and
gold colloids.
[0079] The present invention may include the step of bonding the
clathrate to a substrate on which a fixing agent is bonded, through
a fixing agent. The fixing agent may be any one as long as it is
capable of bonding the clathrate to the substrate through the
fixing agent. Examples thereof include polyvalent metal alkoxide,
alkoxysilane, and the like.
[0080] The polyvalent metal alkoxide specifically refers to
titanium alkoxide, aluminum alkoxide, magnesium alkoxide, calcium
alkoxide, barium alkoxide, lantern alkoxide, scandium alkoxide,
ytterbium alkoxide, chromium alkoxide, and the like. In view of
high bondability and high selectivity of reaction conditions,
titanium alkoxides such as tetraethoxytitanium and
tetrabutoxytitanium are preferable.
[0081] Specific examples of the alkoxysilane include silica
alkoxides such as tetramethoxysilane, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), and
methyltriethoxysilane.
[0082] The substrate may be any one to which the fixing agent is
bonded. In view of high intensity, inorganic materials such as
glass and metal are preferably used. Glass is effective since glass
transmits light and enables use of light from the side opposite to
a surface on which the clathrate is fixed.
[0083] It is also possible to include the step of drying the
clathrate after bonding to the substrate. The drying method is not
particularly limited and, for example, the clathrate may be dried
by heating. In that case, drying temperature or drying time, which
enables drying of the clathrate, may be appropriately selected.
Specifically, the clathrate may be dried at a temperature of 60 to
80.degree. C. After drying, the clathrate may be washed with
acetone, alcohol, water, and the like.
[0084] It is possible to further include the step of heating the
dried clathrate after fixing to the substrate. In this case, it is
preferred to heat at a temperature lower than the temperature at
which trivalent titania undergoes anatase phase transition.
Specifically, the temperature is preferably lower than 350.degree.
C., more preferably lower than 300.degree. C., and still more
preferably lower than 250.degree. C. In order to sufficiently
remove the solvent, heating is preferably performed at 200.degree.
C. or higher. Also in view of being capable of imparting the
highest activity to the catalyst, heating is preferably performed
at 200.degree. C. or higher. The heating time may be appropriately
selected depending on the amount of the clathrate or the heating
temperature. Too long heating time may cause transition of
trivalent titania to an anatase phase, and thus the heating time is
preferably heating time which does not cause transition of
trivalent titania to the anatase phase.
[0085] When an inorganic substance such as glass is used as the
substrate, and a titanium alkoxide or a silica alkoxide is used as
the fixing agent, the clathrate maybe bonded with the substrate by
the step of heating the clathrate after drying. In this case, it is
possible to bond by the following method.
[0086] A titanium alkoxide dissolved in oil such as cyclohexane is
applied on glass, whereby, silanol group of the glass reacts with
the titanium alkoxide to form a film of titanium hydroxide. The
dispersion containing the clathrate is applied on titanium
hydroxide on the glass, or the clathrate taken out from the
disperse system is applied on titanium hydroxide on the glass.
Titanium hydroxide in the clathrate is heated to undergo a
condensation reaction. This condensation reaction enables bonding
of the clathrate to the glass, through the fixing agent applied
first.
[0087] In case the clathrate is bonded to the substrate by the
above method, it is preferred that adhesion between the glass and
the photocatalyst is strong enough to endure a peeling check test
using a cellophane tape. It is also preferred in view of being
capable of uniformly applying.
[0088] The amount of the photocatalyst to be bonded to the
substrate is not particularly limited. In view of being capable of
ensuring sufficient activity without waste in a small amount, the
amount is preferably from 10 to 200 .mu.g/cm.sup.2. The amount is
more preferably from 25 to 150 .mu.g/cm.sup.2, and still more
preferably from 50 to 100 .mu.g/cm.sup.2.
[0089] It is possible to use, as a powder-type photocatalyst, a
separated clathrate heated as it is. It is possible to use, as a
substrate fixing-type photocatalyst, a fired clathrate bonded to
the substrate. Use of either catalyst may be appropriately selected
depending on applications. Since the catalyst is fixed, the
substrate fixing photocatalyst is preferred in that it can be used
in various applications where the photocatalyst is actually used,
leading to wide selectivity. The thus prepared photocatalyst is
colored violet due to trivalent titania, separately from coloration
(red color) due to gold colloids.
[0090] When used as the catalyst over a long period of time, the
decomposition product may be sometimes adsorbed on a surface of the
catalyst. The substance adsorbed on the surface of the catalyst may
decrease catalytic activity. The present invention may include the
step of removing some adsorbed substances existing on a surface of
the catalyst to regenerate activity.
[0091] As long as the adsorbed substance existing on the surface of
the catalyst can be removed, any method can be used. For example,
the adsorbed substance may be removed by washing with water or
acetone. In view of being capable of decomposing the adsorbed
substance to regenerate high catalytic activity, the adsorbed
substance is preferably removed by heating.
[0092] In case the adsorbed substance is removed by heating to
regenerate catalytic activity, it is preferred to heat at a
temperature lower than the temperature at which trivalent titania
undergoes anatase phase transition. Specifically, the temperature
is preferably lower than 350.degree. C., more preferably lower than
300.degree. C., and still more preferably lower than 250.degree. C.
In order to sufficiently remove the solvent and the like, heating
is preferably performed at 200.degree. C. or higher. Also in view
of being capable of imparting the highest activity to the catalyst,
heating is preferably performed at 200.degree. C. or higher. The
heating time may be appropriately selected depending on the degree
of contamination. Too long heating time may cause transition of
tivalent titania to an anatase phase, and thus the heating time is
preferably heating time which does not cause transition of
trivalent titania to the anatase phase.
[0093] The adsorbed substance refers to a substance which inhibits
activity of the photocatalyst. For example, it refers to a product
formed when the substance to be decomposed is decomposed by the
catalyst.
Photocatalytic Activity Measurement
[0094] Using UV-VIS Spectrophotometer (V-570, Jasco), activity of
visible light-responsive photocatalyst was confirmed by UV-VIS
measurement of a change in absorption intensity of a substance to
be decomposed. Decomposition activity is measured under visible
light irradiation conditions; visible light having a wavelength of
longer than 470 nm, illuminance: 30.0 mW/cm.sup.2, and a light
source: 180 W metal halide lamp (Luminer Ace 180 Me, HAYASHI) or
two 18 W fluorescent lamps (illuminance: 1.7 mW/cm.sup.2). A
colored glass filter (V-Y47, TOSHIBA CORPORATION) capable of
removing less than 470 nm light included in the light source was
used.
[0095] The catalyst to be used is a powder-type photocatalyst, or a
substrate fixing-type photocatalyst. MO, tryptophan, quercetin,
fenitrothion, Sunset Yellow, or 2,4-D is used as the substance to
be decomposed. Activity is measured by using an aqueous solution of
a substance to be decomposed. In case the substance to be
decomposed is MO, MO is colored yellow and becomes a transparent
aqueous solution after decomposed. Therefore, it is possible to
visually confirm decomposition.
TEM Micrograph Observation
[0096] The shape of the thus prepared Au/TiO.sub.x is observed by
using a transmission electron microscope (JEM-2000FX/EXII JEOL).
With respect to a sample for TEM observation, composite fine
particles are mounted in a dispersion state in a commercially
available grid with a supporting film (Cu mesh: JEOL) by dropwise
addition, and an operation of washing with organic solvents such as
water and acetone is performed.
Structural Analysis of Au/TiO.sub.x Composite Fine Particles
[0097] The crystal state of the thus prepared Au/TiO.sub.x is
measured by using XRD (Rad-rA, Rigaku) and composite fine particles
formed into powders were laminated on a glass cell for X-ray
measurement, followed by the measurement. Measurement conditions
are as follows; divergence/scattering slit: 1/2 deg, light
receiving slit: 0.15 mm, scan speed: 5.degree./min, scan step:
0.02.degree./min, scan axis: 2.theta./.theta., scan region: 20 to
100.degree. C., and voltage/current: 40 kv/100 mA.
Thermal Analysis of Au/TiO.sub.x Composite Fine particles
[0098] Thermophysical property of the thus prepared Au/TiO.sub.x is
measured by Thermo Gravimetry Analyzer (TG-DTA6300, SEIKO). A
measurement sample to be used is obtained by taking out the
prepared fine particles, followed by drying to form into powders.
The measurement is performed under the following conditions. Using
a predetermined alumina pan (SEIKO), the temperature is raised from
room temperature to 1,000.degree. C. in air.
<Usage of Visible Light-Responsive Photocatalyst>
[0099] The present invention encompasses a usage of a visible
light-responsive photocatalyst comprising a clathrate in which at
least a part of gold particles is clathrated by trivalent titanium
oxide which is described later in this specification. The usage is
not particularly limited, but photocatalytic activity to be
exhibited by the visible light-responsive photocatalyst of the
present invention is enhanced along with an increase in total
illuminance of wavelengths within the range of 400 to 650 nm. From
this viewpoint, the usage of the visible light-responsive
photocatalyst of the present invention may preferably include a
step of irradiating the visible light-responsive photocatalyst with
light of which total illuminance of wavelengths within the range of
400 to 650 nm is 0.040 mW/cm.sup.2 or more. The total illuminance
of the wavelengths within the range of 400 to 650 nm of the light
to be used for irradiation may more preferably be 0.045 mW/cm.sup.2
or more, further preferably 0.18 mW/cm.sup.2 or more, furthermore
preferably 0.45 mW/cm.sup.2 or more, yet furthermore preferably 0.9
mW/cm.sup.2 or more. Since there is a correlation between the
illuminance and a time period required for the catalyst to attain
decomposition, the total illuminance may appropriately be decided
depending on a required environment. The light to be used may or
may not include a wavelength which is out of the range of 400 to
650 nm. As a matter of course, the light may be natural light
including sunlight. A method of irradiating the visible
light-responsive photocatalyst with the light having wavelengths
within the range of 400 to 650 nm is not particularly limited, and
a method of blocking wavelengths other than the wavelength of 400
to 650 nm by a filter or a method of using light having no other
wavelengths than the wavelengths within the range of 400 to 650 nm
may be employed. In the present specification, "total illuminance
of wavelengths within the range of 400 to 650 nm" means a value
obtained by integrating illuminance values of the wavelengths
within the range of 400 to 650 nm. The total illuminance of the
wavelengths within the range of 400 to 650 nm of light is measured
by OPTOMETER P9710 SENSOR SN23257 (usable for 400 to 800 nm)
(Gigahertz-Optik).
<Visible Light-Responsive Photocatalyst>
[0100] The present invention encompasses a visible light-responsive
photocatalyst comprising a clathrate in which a part of gold
particles is clathrated by trivalent titanium oxide. According to
the above-described preparation method of the present invention,
the clathrate is formed by clathration of gold colloids due to
titanium hydroxides, and the titanium hydroxides are converted into
trivalent titanium oxide as a result of mutual condensation
reaction. The clathrate in which gold particles of the gold
colloids are clathrated by the trivalent titanium oxide is the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst. In the clathrate, a part of
each of the gold particles may be clathrated by the trivalent
titanium oxide, or the entire gold particle may be covered with the
trivalent titanium oxide. Usage of the visible light-responsive
photocatalyst of the present invention are not particularly
limited, but the visible light-responsive photocatalyst of the
present invention does not exhibit satisfactory photocatalytic
activity when the total illuminance of wavelengths within the range
of 400 to 650 nm is too low as described above. Therefore, the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst may be used in such a manner
that it is irradiated with light of which total illuminance of
wavelengths within the range of 400 to 650 nm is 0.040 mW/cm.sup.2
or more.
EXAMPLES
Preparation of Gold Colloid Dispersion
[0101] Chlorauric(III) acid.tetrahydrate was dissolved in pure
water to prepare a solution (48.56 mmol/dm.sup.3). After weighing
1.0 cm.sup.3 from this solution, pure water was added to prepare an
aqueous 0.01% by mass chlorauric(III) acid solution in the total
amount of 200 cm.sup.3. The solution was boiled while stirring and,
after boiling, 0.0135 g of NaBH.sub.4 was added, followed by
stirring for 3 hours to obtain a deep red gold colloid
dispersion.
Visible Light-Responsive Photocatalyst Intermediate Prepared by
Formation of W/O-Type Microemulsion
[0102] An emulsifier was added to pure water such that the
concentration of the emulsifier becomes 5% by mass to prepare a
dispersion. Then, an oil agent was added such that the dispersion
and the oil agent form a reverse microemulsion, followed by
stirring at high speed using a homogenizer and further standing in
a constant temperature bath for 1 hour. After standing, a gold
colloid dispersion prepared in advance was added in the reverse
microemulsion, thus holding the gold colloid dispersion in the
reverse microemulsion. HCO-10 (derivative of polyoxyethylene
hardened castor oil) was used as the emulsifier, and cyclohexane
was used as the oil agent.
[0103] TEOT dissolved in cyclohexane was added to an external phase
such that a ratio of TEOT to gold colloids held in the W/O-type
microemulsion becomes a predetermined molar ratio. After the
addition, TEOT was hydrolyzed to prepare Au/Ti(OH).sub.4. The
hydrolysis reaction time of TEOT was set at 2 hours, and the
temperature was set at 20.+-.2.degree. C.
Visible Light-Responsive Photocatalyst Intermediate Prepared by
Formation of W/O-Type Emulsion
[0104] To a gold colloid dispersion prepared in advance, HCO-10 was
added so as to adjust the concentration to 5% by mass, followed by
stirring to prepare a 5% by mass HCO-10/gold colloid dispersion.
This dispersion was added to cyclohexane to form a W/O-type
emulsion.
[0105] TEOT dissolved in cyclohexane was added to an external phase
such that a ratio of TEOT to gold colloids held in the W/O-type
emulsion becomes a predetermined molar ratio. After the addition,
TEOT was hydrolyzed to prepare Au/Ti(OH).sub.4. The hydrolysis
reaction time of TEOT was set at 2 hours, and the temperature was
set at 20.+-.2.degree. C. At this time, preparation was performed
such that a molar ratio of Ti to Au varies in a range of 1:1, 1:10,
1:50, 1:100, 1:500, and 1:1,000.
Visible Light-Responsive Photocatalyst Intermediate Prepared from
W/O-Type Emulsion without Using Emulsifier
[0106] To TEOT dissolved in cyclohexane, a gold colloid solution
was added dropwise so as to adjust to a predetermined molar ratio
to prepare Au/Ti(OH).sub.4. The gold colloid solution was gradually
added dropwise while stirring. In this case, a clathrate of gold
colloids and titanium hydroxide became a sol-gel-like mixture and
dispersed in an oil phase. However, the clathrate was precipitated
when stirring was terminated.
Visible Light-Responsive Photocatalyst Intermediate Prepared by
Formation of Reversed Micelles
Comparative Example 1
[0107] DE-5 (nonionic surfactant dodecylpentaoxyethylene monoether)
was dissolved in cyclohexane to prepare a solution such that the
concentration becomes 0.1 mol/dm.sup.3 which is higher than the
critical micelle concentration (cmc) of DE-5 surfactant.
Subsequently, a gold colloid dispersion prepared in advance was
solubilized in this solution. However, since the size of gold
colloids (10 nm to 20 nm) is larger than that of reversed micelles,
a W/O-type microemulsion was obtained, thus failing to prepare by
the reversed micelles. The solubilization time was set at 2 hours,
and the temperature was set at 20.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C.
[0108] TEOT dissolved in cyclohexane was added to an external phase
and TEOT was hydrolyzed by the W/O-type microemulsion such that a
ratio of TEOT to gold colloids held in the W/O-type microemulsion
of Comparative Example becomes a predetermined molar ratio to
prepare Au/Ti(OH).sub.4. The hydrolysis reaction time of TEOT was
set at 2 hours, and the temperature was set at 20.+-.2.degree.
C.
Preparation of Powder-Type Photocatalyst
[0109] To Au/Ti(OH).sub.4 prepared by each method, acetone was
added, thus co-dissolving an oil phase and an aqueous phase to form
a uniform liquid phase. Then, Au/Ti(OH).sub.4 was precipitated. In
this case, gold colloids are not dispersed in the liquid phase and
exist in a state of being included in a gel of titanium hydroxide.
This washing operation was repeated twice to remove an inorganic
substance or a soluble organic substance as much as possible
through washing.
[0110] Subsequently, water was added, followed by stirring and
further precipitation of the reaction product using a centrifugal
separator. This operation of washing with water was performed twice
to purify a gel through washing. The precipitate was taken out and
then an Au/Ti(OH).sub.4 gel was dried at 80.degree. C.
[0111] Furthermore, the dried gel was subjected to a heating
treatment under atmosphere at 200 to 300.degree. C. for 2 to 3
hours to remove the solvent remaining in the precipitate, and also
titanium hydroxide is subjected to dehydration condensation to form
into titanium oxide, thus obtaining Au/TiO.sub.x. The Au/TiO.sub.x
catalyst thus obtained was colored violet due to trivalent titania,
separately from coloration due to gold colloids.
[0112] In the case of preparing by formation of a W/O-type
microemulsion (Example 1), it was possible to prepare several tens
to 100 mg of Au/TiO.sub.x per 100 ml of the emulsion. Water of the
W/O-type microemulsion had a particle diameter of several tens nm.
In the case of preparing by formation of a W/O-type emulsion
(Example 2), it was possible to prepare several grams of
Au/TiO.sub.x per 100 ml of the emulsion. Water of the W/O-type
emulsion had a particle size of 500 to 3,000 nm. In the case of
preparing by formation of reversed micelles (Comparative Example
1), it was possible to prepare several mili-grams of Au/TiO.sub.x
per 100 ml of the reversed micelles. Water of the reversed micelles
had a particle size of 2 to 3 nm. These results are shown in Table
1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparative Example 1 Example 2 Example 1
Diameter Several tens nm 500~3000 nm 2~3 nm of water droplets Yield
Several tens to Several g/100 ml Several mg/100 ml 100 mg/100
ml
TEM Micrograph Observation
[0113] The shape of the thus prepared Au/TiO.sub.x was observed by
using transmission electron microscope (JEM-2000FX/EXII JEOL). With
respect to a sample for TEM observation, composite fine particles
are mounted in a dispersion state in a commercially available grid
with a supporting film (Cu mesh: JEOL) by dropwise addition, and an
operation of washing with water and organic solvents such as
acetone is performed. The results revealed that gold colloids are
included in TiO.sub.x. A microscopic regular structure was also
observed in part.
Structural Analysis of Au/TiO.sub.x Composite Fine Particles
[0114] The crystal state of the thus prepared Au/TiO.sub.x was
measured by using XRD (Rad-rA, Rigaku) and composite fine particles
formed into powders were mounted on a glass cell for X-ray
measurement, followed by the measurement. Measurement conditions
are as follows; divergence/scattering slit: 1/2 deg, light
receiving slit: 0.15 mm, scan speed: 5.degree./min, scan step:
0.02.degree./min, scan axis: 2.theta./.theta., scan region: 20 to
100.degree. C., and voltage/current: 40 kv/100 mA. As a result, a
diffraction peak was observed for Au/TiO.sub.x prepared by
formation of a W/O-type emulsion, but failed to identify a crystal
form. However, the sample was colored violet. If the heating
temperature is 400.degree. C. or higher, titanium oxide exhibits an
anatase-type diffraction peak, and turns white.
Thermal Analysis of Au/TiO.sub.x Composite Fine Particles
[0115] Thermophysical property of the thus prepared Au/TiO.sub.x
was measured by a differential thermo gravimetry analyzer
(TG-DTA6300, SEIKO). A measurement sample to be used is obtained by
taking out the prepared fine particles, followed by drying to form
into powders. The measurement is performed under the following
conditions. Using a predetermined alumina pan (SEIKO), the
temperature is raised from room temperature to 1,000.degree. C. in
air. The results revealed that a gold colloid-containing titanium
hydroxide exhibited an exothermic peak at 265.6.degree. C. and, at
the same time, the mass decreased and dehydration condensation
occurred. TiO.sub.x containing no gold colloid was prepared by a
W/O-type emulsion and thermal analysis thereof was performed. As a
result, it exhibited an exothermic peak at 360.degree. C. and
anatase transit occurred.
Preparation of Substrate Fixing-Type Photocatalyst
[0116] A clean glass plate used for microscope slide preparation
was used as a substrate. A fixing agent such as TEOT, TBOT or TEOS
was thinly applied on a surface of a glass, followed by a reaction
with silanol groups to form a film of titanium hydroxide. Using an
applicator, Au/Ti(OH).sub.4 prepared by formation of a W/O-type
emulsion was applied on the surface and then air-dried. The amount
of the photocatalyst applied in the case of fixing to the substrate
was set at a range from 50 to 100 .mu.g/cm.sup.2.
[0117] After washing with acetone and water, heating was performed
at 200.degree. C. for 3 hours to make a photocatalyst Au/TiO.sub.x
catalyst. Adhesion between the glass substrate and the
photocatalyst was enough to endure a peeling check test using a
cellophane tape. As a result of SEM observation, coating uniformity
was confirmed. Furthermore, all of TEOT (tetraethoxy titanate),
TBOT (tetrabutoxy titanate) and TEOS (tetraethoxysilane) could be
used as the fixing agent.
Activity of Powder-Type Catalyst
[0118] Activity confirmation test of a powder-type catalyst through
irradiated with visible light was performed. Using UV-VIS
Spectrophotometer (V-570, Jasco), catalytic activity was confirmed
by UV-VIS measurement of a change in absorption intensity of a
substance to be decomposed. Decomposition activity was measured
under visible light irradiation conditions; visible light having a
wavelength longer than 470 nm, illuminance: 30.0 mW/cm.sup.2, and a
light source: 180 W metal halide lamp (Luminer Ace 180 Me,
HAYASHI). A colored glass filter (V-Y47, TOSHIBA CORPORATION)
capable of removing less than 470 nm light included in the light
source was used.
[0119] A visible light irradiation test of activity of a
powder-type catalyst, which was prepared by formation of a W/O-type
microemulsion, was performed. MO was used as a substance to be
decomposed. The results are shown in FIG. 1. The results revealed
that catalytic activity is the highest when heated at 200.degree.
C. This activity is the same as that in the case of preparing by
formation of reversed micelles. It was found that trivalent titania
can also be prepared other than when prepared by a reverse micelle
method. The catalyst had the composition of Au:Ti=1:300 in terms of
a molar ratio, and heating was performed for 3 hours.
[0120] A visible light irradiation test of activity of a
powder-type catalyst, which was prepared by formation of a W/O-type
emulsion stabilized by a three-phase emulsification method, was
performed. Mo having a normal concentration was used as the
substance to be decomposed. The results are shown in FIG. 2. Using
the same catalyst repeatedly, a test was performed three times.
After first decomposition, second and third decomposition tests
were performed without replacing the catalyst. The speed of the
second and third decomposition somewhat decreased. The reason is
considered that the decomposition product is adsorbed on a surface
of the catalyst to cause contamination. After third measurement of
activity, when heated again at 200.degree. C. for 3 hours, it was
possible to obtain a decomposition speed which nearly reproduced
the first measurement.
Decomposition Test by Irradiation with Fluorescent Lamp
[0121] Using two commercially available 18 W fluorescent lamps
(illuminance of 1.7 mW/cm.sup.2), decomposition activity was
measured.
[0122] A comparison was made between activity of a powder-type
catalyst prepared by formation of a W/O-type emulsion stabilized by
a three-phase emulsification method, and that of a powder-type
catalyst prepared without using an emulsion stabilizer. The results
are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The results revealed that the
powder-type catalyst prepared by formation of a W/O-type emulsion
has higher activity, but the powder-type catalyst prepared without
using an emulsion stabilizer has sufficient activity.
Activity of Substrate Fixing-Type Photocatalyst
[0123] Using a substrate fixing-type photocatalyst prepared by
formation of a W/O-type emulsion stabilized by a three-phase
emulsification method, a photodecomposition test was performed.
Visible light conditions are the same as those in the case of the
powder-type catalyst prepared by formation of a W/O-type emulsion
stabilized by a three-phase emulsification method.
[0124] A decomposition test of an aqueous MO solution and that of
an aqueous tryptophan solution were performed. The results are
shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In this case, the color of the aqueous
MO solution was yellow before decomposition, whereas, it became a
transparent aqueous solution after decomposed.
[0125] In a spectrum before decomposition, MO molecule has an
absorption site in the visible region, while tryptophan molecule
has an absorption site only in the ultraviolet region. However, in
both cases, a peak of each absorption site of a spectrum
disappeared after decomposition.
[0126] FIG. 7 shows decomposition observed from two absorption
peaks in tryptophan of amino acid. It was confirmed that, even in
case where a light absorption site of a substance to be decomposed
is only an ultraviolet light site, like tryptophan, it is possible
to perform photodecomposition due to visible light. In other words,
it is possible to say that the existence of a benzene ring site or
an unsaturated site in a molecular structure suggests that a
photocatalyst exhibits decomposition activity. It was confirmed
that, among compounds other than tryptophan, quercetin as a dye,
fenitrothion as a pesticide, Sunset Yellow as an edible yellow
colorant, 2,4-D as a herbicide, and the like are also decomposed.
The results revealed that compounds other than MO can undergo
molecular decomposition by the photocatalyst in the present
invention, as long as an unsaturated site such as benzene ring and
double bond exists in part of the compound.
[0127] With respect to appearance of an aqueous MO solution before
and after photodecomposition, the solution is colored yellow before
decomposition since it has light maximum absorption at .lamda.max
450 nm. After decomposition, all absorption peaks disappeared, and
thus the solution became a transparent aqueous solution. Namely, it
was confirmed that no influence is exerted on catalytic activity
even in a fixed thin film state, thus enabling decomposition.
[0128] FIG. 8 shows a time change in photodecomposition. It was
confirmed that a decrease in catalytic activity is observed similar
to the case of FIG. 1 when the same catalyst is repeatedly used
once or twice, while reproducibility is exhibited when heated after
used twice.
[0129] In order to clarify an influence of heating of a catalyst on
catalytic activity, first decomposition was performed and, after
heating, second decomposition was performed. After completion of
the second decomposition, third decomposition was performed by
performing second heating. The results are shown in FIG. 9.
Deterioration due to heating was not recognized. Or rather, it
became apparent that reproducibility of catalytic activity due to
heating is maintained.
[0130] Au/TiO.sub.x was converted into an anatase-type by heating
at a heating temperature of 400.degree. C. for 3 hours, and then
catalytic activity was examined. The results are shown in FIG. 10.
The results revealed that the titanium oxide heated at 400.degree.
C. cannot decompose MO by visible light. This is because the
anatase-type Au/TiO.sub.2 does not have the catalytic activity in
the visible light region.
[0131] Based on the above results, it was confirmed that a
phenomenon such as reactivation of the catalyst due to repeated
test and heating is the same as in the powder-type catalyst.
Namely, it was found that activity of a substrate fixing-type
photocatalyst has photocatalytic activity similar to activity of a
powder-type photocatalyst.
[0132] It was confirmed whether or not Au/TiO.sub.x, which was
prepared by using, as a light source, two 18 W fluorescent lamps in
place of a 180 W metal halide lamp, has visible light-responsive
photocatalytic activity. The obtained illuminance (.mu.W/cm.sup.2)
is shown in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Illuminance of fluorescent lamp 310~410 nm
400~800 nm 20.8 .mu.w/cm.sup.2 1664 .mu.w/cm.sup.2
[0133] It was confirmed that, since illuminance in the visible
light region of sunlight is more than 10 times that in the
ultraviolet light region, visible light exists in abundance even
when using a fluorescent lamp. When ultraviolet light is blocked by
using a colored glass filter, photocatalytic activity was
confirmed. This fact revealed that Au/TiO.sub.x exhibits activity
power to molecules including a benzene ring or unsaturated bond if
light source species are lights including visible light, such as
sunlight.
<Evaluation of Photocatalytic Activity when Irradiated with
Mercury Fluorescent Lamp or White LED Fluorescent Lamp>
[0134] Whether or not Au/TiO.sub.x exhibits photocatalytic activity
when irradiated with light from a mercury fluorescent lamp or a
white LED fluorescent lamp was evaluated. In the evaluation, 150 g
of an aqueous MO solution (0.015 mmol/L) and a mercury fluorescent
lamp (1.77 mW/cm.sup.2) or a white LED fluorescent lamp (1.54
mW/cm.sup.2) were used, and photocatalytic activity of the
above-described substrate fixing-type photocatalyst prepared by
forming a W/O emulsion stabilized by the three-phase emulsification
method was evaluated. The photodecomposition activity in the case
of using the mercury fluorescent lamp or white LED fluorescent lamp
is shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, "LED lamp" indicates the
irradiation with the white LED fluorescent lamp; "Fluorescent lamp"
indicates the irradiation with the mercury fluorescent lamp; and
"In dark" indicates that no irradiation was performed. The
catalytic activity was confirmed by a UV-vis measurement of changes
in absorption intensity of the substance to be decomposed using a
UV-vis Spectrophotometer (V-570, Jasco).
[0135] As shown in FIG. 11, it was confirmed that Au/TiO.sub.x
exhibits the photocatalytic activity when irradiated with the light
from the mercury fluorescent lamp or white LED fluorescent lamp.
Further, wavelength distributions of the mercury fluorescent lamp
and white LED fluorescent lamp and an absorption wavelength of the
gold colloids are shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12(A), it was
confirmed that the substrate-fixing type photocatalyst exhibits the
photocatalytic activity to the light from the mercury fluorescent
lamp or white LED fluorescent lamp having the wavelength band in
the visible light region. Also, it was suggested that the higher
photocatalytic activity attained by using the mercury fluorescent
lamp is attributable to the higher illuminance of the mercury
fluorescent lamp.
<Evaluation of Photocatalyst Activities when Irradiated with
Various Wavelengths>
[0136] Changes in photocatalytic activity exhibited by Au/TiO.sub.x
when irradiated with various wavelengths were evaluated by varying
the wavelength of light from the white LED fluorescent lamp. In the
evaluation, 150 g of an aqueous MO solution (0.01 mmol/L) was used;
the illuminance was set to 15.3 mW/cm.sup.2: and irradiation with a
wavelength of 405 nm, 525 nm, or 750 nm was performed. As a
catalyst, the above-described substrate fixing-type photocatalyst
prepared by forming a W/O emulsion stabilized by the three-phase
emulsification method was used, and an amount of the catalyst was
149.3 .mu.g/cm.sup.2. The catalytic activity was confirmed by a
UV-VIS measurement of changes in absorption intensity of the
substance to be decomposed using the UV-vis Spectrophotometer
(V-570, Jasco).
[0137] FIG. 13 shows temporal changes of an absorption wavelength
of the aqueous MO solution in the case where the substrate-fixing
type photocatalyst was irradiated with the light having wavelength
of 525 nm from the LED lamp. As shown in FIG. 13, it was confirmed
that Au/TiO.sub.x decomposes MO when irradiated with the wavelength
of 525 nm.
[0138] FIGS. 14 and 15 show temporal change rates of an absorption
wavelength for the aqueous MO solution in the case where the
substrate-fixing type photocatalyst was irradiated with the light
having wavelength of 405 nm, 525 nm, or 750 nm. In FIGS. 14 and 15,
"TiO.sub.x (405 nm)" indicates that titanium oxide was used as the
catalyst, and irradiation with the wavelength of 405 nm was
performed. "Au/TiO.sub.2 (405 nm)" indicates that tetravalent
titanium oxide which underwent anatase phase transition was used as
the catalyst, and irradiation with the wavelength of 405 nm was
performed. "405 nm," "525 nm," or "750 nm" indicates that
Au/TiO.sub.x was irradiated with each wavelength. Further, FIG. 14
indicates the temporal change rate of an absorption peak of MO near
465 nm (diazo bond), and FIG. 15 indicates the temporal change rate
of an absorption peak of MO near 280 nm (benzene ring).
[0139] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, it was confirmed that
"Au/TiO.sub.2" obtained by using tetravalent titanium oxide
scarcely exhibits the photocatalytic activity when irradiated with
the wavelength of 405 nm. On the other hand, it was confirmed that
Au/TiO.sub.x exhibits the photocatalytic activity to visible lights
having the wavelength of 405 nm, 525 nm, or 750 nm. Particularly,
it was confirmed that the MO decomposition speed of Au/TiO.sub.x is
increased along with the reduction in wavelength to be irradiated
as 750 nm, 525 nm, and 405 nm. This fact reveals that Au/TiOx has
the catalytic activity to the visible light, and that the catalytic
activity depends on a length of the wavelength.
[0140] Further, in view of the fact that the activity of the
visible light-responsive photocatalyst of the present invention is
increased along with the reduction in wavelength to be irradiated
as 750 nm, 525 nm, and 405 nm, it was suggested that the
particularly high activity of the visible light-responsive
photocatalyst of the present invention is exhibited when a ratio of
a wavelength region near 405 nm is larger than a ratio of entire
wavelengths.
<Evaluation of Photocatalytic Activity of Lights from Mercury
Fluorescent Lamp and White LED Fluorescent Lamp Having Identical
Illuminance>
[0141] In the above-described "Evolution of Photocatalytic Activity
When Irradiated with Mercury Fluorescent Lamp or White LED
Fluorescent Lamp", the illuminance of the light from the mercury
fluorescent lamp was set to 1.77 mW/cm.sup.2, and the illuminance
of the light from the white LED fluorescent lamp was set to 1.54
mW/cm.sup.2. In the present evaluation, the illuminance of the
light from the white LED fluorescent lamp was corrected to "1.77
mW/cm.sup.2", and the methyl orange residual rates were corrected
in accordance with the illuminance correction. The results are
shown in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, "LED lamp" indicates the irradiation
with white LED fluorescent lamp, and "Fluorescent lamp" indicates
the irradiation with mercury fluorescent lamp.
[0142] As shown in FIG. 16, the photocatalytic activities of the
present invention to the lights from the mercury fluorescent lamp
and the white LED fluorescent lamp having the identical illuminance
are substantially identical to each other.
[0143] As described above, it was indicated that the photocatalytic
activities to the lights from the mercury fluorescent lamp and the
white LED fluorescent lamp of the present invention are
substantially the same when the illuminance values of the lights
from the mercury fluorescent lamp and the white LED fluorescent
lamp are the same. However, in view of the fact that the activity
of the visible light-responsive photocatalyst of the present
invention is enhanced along with the reduction in wavelength as can
be seen with 525 nm and 405 nm although the photocatalytic activity
of the present invention is smaller when irradiated with the light
having wavelength of 750 nm, it is assumed that a predetermined
value of the illuminance near 405 nm is required for the visible
light-responsive photocatalyst of the present invention to exhibit
the photocatalytic activity. Accordingly, in the light of the
mercury fluorescent lamp, a ratio of an integrated intensity of
wavelengths within the range of 400 to 650 nm to an integrated
intensity of wavelengths within the range of 380 to 810 nm was
measured from area ratios of light intensities of the wavelengths
within the ranges of the mercury fluorescent lamp of FIG. 12 to
find that the ratio was 95%. In addition, in the light of the white
LED fluorescent lamp, a ratio of an integrated intensity of
wavelengths within the range of 400 to 650 nm to an integrated
intensity of wavelengths within the range of 380 to 810 nm was
measured from area ratios of light intensities of the wavelengths
within the ranges of the white LED fluorescent lamp of FIG. 12 to
find that the ratio was 90.5%. From the result, it was suggested
that a certain amount of total illuminance of the wavelengths
within the range of 400 to 650 nm is required for the
substrate-fixing type photocatalyst of the present invention to
exhibit the photocatalytic activity.
<Evaluation of Photocatalytic Activities Varied by Difference in
Illuminance>
[0144] The influences exerted by Au/TiO.sub.x onto the
photocatalytic activity were evaluated by varying the illuminance
of light with which the photocatalyst was irradiated. In the
evaluation, 150 g of an aqueous MO (methyl orange) solution (0.015
mmol/L, room temperature) was used as a solution to be decomposed.
As a catalyst, the above-described substrate fixing-type
photocatalyst prepared by forming a W/O emulsion stabilized by the
three-phase emulsification method was used, and an amount of the
catalyst was 149.3 .mu.g/cm.sup.2. A mercury fluorescent lamp was
used as a light source. The evaluation was conducted on seven
illuminance values of 0.0104 mW/cm.sup.2, 0.0507 mW/cm.sup.2,
0.2503 mW/cm.sup.2, 0.661 mW/cm.sup.2, 1.54 mW/cm.sup.2, 8.011
mW/cm.sup.2, and 15.3 mW/cm.sup.2. The catalytic activity was
confirmed by a UV-vis measurement of a change in absorption
intensity of the substance to be decomposed using a UV-vis
Spectrophotometer (V-570, Jasco).
[0145] By taking a measurement error into consideration,
illuminance which enables decomposition of 5% or more of the
photocatalyst when the irradiation was continued for 100 hours, was
used as a reference value of the illuminance which is capable of
effective photodecomposition. As shown in FIG. 17, it was difficult
to determine that methyl orange was decomposed at 0.0104
mW/cm.sup.2, but it was confirmed that the illuminance of 0.0507
mW/cm.sup.2 or more causes the decomposition. Further, it was
confirmed that the methyl orange decomposition rate is increased
along with the increase in illuminance.
[0146] From the above results and the ratio of the integrated
intensity of the wavelengths within the range of 400 to 650 nm to
the integrated intensity of the wavelengths within the range of 380
to 810 nm, it was revealed that the total illuminance of the
wavelengths within the range of 400 to 650 nm of the light to be
used for irradiation is necessarily 0.040 mW/cm.sup.2 or more in
order that the substrate-fixing type photocatalyst of the present
invention exhibits the photocatalytic activity.
* * * * *