SrTiO3-based perovskites: Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic activity in gas-solid regime under simulated solar irradiation

Strontium titanate-based perovskites have been prepared in the presence of Y and Co with the aim to substitute Sr and Ti, respectively, in the ST crystalline structure. The obtained samples have been characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FE-SEM, XPS and tested as photocatalysts in two gas–solid regime reactions: (i) 2-propanol complete mineralization and (ii) propene partial oxidation, using a system simulating solar irradiation. All the tested samples resulted active as photocatalysis but with significant differences. The lattice substitution of Sr by Y displays a beneficial effect on the 2-propanol photodegradation. Conversely, the partial presence of cobalt on the ST surface, as Co-oxide nanodispersed clusters with a dominant Co(II) phase, plays a substantial detrimental effect on the photo-degradation process of 2-propanol, but favours the photocatalytic partial oxidation of propene to propene oxide.