La/Fe/TiO₂ composite photocatalysts were synthesized by Sol-Gel method and well characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen-physical adsorption, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS). It is interesting that the doped catalysts were in anatase phase while the pure TiO₂ was in rutile phase. In addition, the composites possessed better physical chemical properties in photocatalytic activity than pure TiO₂: stronger visible-light-response ability, larger specific surface area, and more regular shape in morphology. The photodegradation results of ammonia nitrogen indicate that: the La/Fe/TiO₂ had higher catalytic activity to ammonia nitrogen waste water compared pure TiO₂ and the other single metal-doped TiO₂. pH 10 and 2 mmol/L H₂O₂ were all beneficial to the removal of ammonia nitrogen by La/Fe/TiO₂. However, the common inorganic ions of Cl(-), NO₃(-), SO₄(2-), HCO₃(-)/CO₃²(-), Na⁺, K⁺, Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) in water all inhibited the degradation of ammonia nitrogen. By balance calculation, at least 20% of ammonia nitrogen was converted to N₂ during the 64.6% removal efficiency of ammonia nitrogen.
Keywords: La/Fe/TiO2; ammonia nitrogen wastewater; characterization; photocatalysis.