2.3. Characterization
The phases of the samples were identified by powder X-ray diffraction
(XRD, Shimadzu XRD-6000) using Cu Ka radiation. The
morphology and structure were examined by scanning electron
microscope (SEM, Hitachi S-4800) and transmission electron microscope
(TEM, Philips CM200). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
spectra were recorded with wavenumber range of 400–4000 cm1
and step length of 4 cm1. Photodegradation experiments were
carried out in a photochemical reactor and the ultraviolet (UV)
photocatalystic reaction was applied to characterize the degradation
of RhB. The wavelength of the UV lamp was centered at
365 nm with a power of 25 W. 0.2 g Catalyst was re-suspended into a 100 mL aqueous solution with 10 mg/L rhodamine B in a quartz
vessel by mechanical stirring. To ensure the equilibrium of adsorption/
desorption and the uniformity of reactive system, the above
solution was stirred for 30 min in the dark before UV illumination.
The RhB solutions in the photochemical reactor were illumined under
UV light and the concentration of RhB in the solution was monitored
using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer (Shimadazu UV-3150) as
a function of reaction time.