Ti-SBA-15 mesoporous photocatalysts modified with lanthanides for degradation of dyes in aqueous solution

New bimetallic LnTi-SBA-15 (where Ln is Eu or Pr) photocatalysts were obtained by immobilization of the lanthanide ions on Ti-SBA-15 supports synthesized by direct- and post-synthesis methods. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The obtained results evidenced an insignificant effect of Eu and Pr on support ordered mesoporous structure and optical properties of titania dispersed species. The activity of these photocatalysts was evaluated in the photocatalytic degradation, under UV light (254 nm), of Brilliant blue FCF from aqueous solutions. A higher activity was obtained for samples with lower loading of lanthanide. The best results were obtained for samples with lowest Eu oxide loading (2.5%).