Facile Preparation of Composite Coatings with Incorporated 13X Zeolite and CeO2

Abstract

One-step methods for the formation of efficient thin-film catalysts for wastewater treatment under the sunlight spectrum is a topic of interest for many research groups. This article reports on the facile preparation of photocatalytic coatings by plasma electrolytic oxidation processing from 0.01 M sodium tungstate electrolyte solution containing both 13X zeolite and CeO2. Obtained coatings are characterized with respect to their surface morphology, chemical and phase composition, and possible application as photocatalysts in photodegradation of organic pollutants. All prepared coatings contain elements originating from both substrate and electrolyte solution. Addition of 1 g/L of 13X zeolite and CeO2 in various concentrations to electrolyte solution results in increased photodecomposition of model organic pollutant. The highest photodegradation under simulated sunlight is observed for coatings formed in 0.01 M sodium tungstate with addition of 1 g/L of 13X zeolite and 1 g/L of CeO2, reaching 50% after 6 h of irradiation.