Novel UV–vis-driven photocatalysts of CeF3/TiO2 nano-sheet film with upconversion properties for enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract Upconversion photocatalysts have the potential to extended utilization of sunlight and enhance the photocatalytic performance. A novel hybrid architecture of CeF 3 /TiO 2 nano-sheet film (NSF) was synthesized via a facile one-step microwave-hydrothermal synthesis. The luminescence agent of CeF 3 nanodisks were deposited homogeneously on the surface of the TiO 2 NSF. The CeF 3 /TiO 2 NSF composite materials show obvious photodegradation of MB under visible light as well as ultraviolet light, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic activity in the UV–vis bands solar spectrum due to the efficient upconversion emissions of CeF 3 . Additionally, a photocatalytic mechanism of CeF 3 /TiO 2 NSF was proposed.