Deactivation and Regeneration of NaTaO 3 Photocatalyst in Cooperating Dehydrogenation Coupling of Isopropanol and Hydrogenation Coupling of Acetone Reaction System.

Photocatalyst activity is influenced by many factors, such as adsorption of by-products, runoff of surface hydroxyl groups and carriers. In this study, a simple and efficient photocatalyst regeneration method was developed. Results indicated that NaTaO3 photocatalyst lost its photoactivity after three cycles of reaction that involves coupling of isopropanol and hydrogenation coupling of acetone reaction system. Runoff of Na on the surface was the main reason for the deactivation of NaTaO3 photocatalyst. After hydrothermal treatment of the deactivated NaTaO3 with 10 m NaOH at 180°C for 12 h, its photocatalytic activity was restored to the original level. The photocatalytic activity remained stable even after 10 cycles.