Characterization of Photodegradation Catalyst 9.1% VO_x/MgF₂

Catalysts with the composition 9.1% VO_x/MgF₂ were prepared at different calcination temperatures and tested for the acetone photodegradation reaction under visible light. The catalysts calcined below 773 K were found to contain V₂O₅ and MgF₂ phases and to show high activities for acetone photodegradation reaction under visible light. When the catalysts were calcined above 773 K, the V₂O₅ phase reacted with the MgF₂ phase to form MgO, Mg₂V₂O₇, and unknown new phase(s) that are not active for acetone photodegradation reaction. XRD, SEM, laser Raman, FT-IR, and UV−vis characterizations of the 9.1% VO_x/MgF₂ catalysts suggest that the V₂O₅ domains dispersed in MgF₂ matrix are the active sites.