Fluorescent lamp promoted formaldehyde removal over CeO2 catalysts at ambient temperature

Abstract Exploring an alternative strategy with high efficiency and low cost to abate formaldehyde (HCHO) in indoor environment, is of increasing significance for people’s health. CeO2 catalysts prepared by hydrothermal, precipitation and calcination methods were investigated for HCHO removal at ambient temperature. It is found that indoor fluorescent light visibly boosts the catalytic performance of CeO2 catalysts for HCHO decomposition at ambient temperature. Among the CeO2 catalysts, CeO2 prepared from hydrothermal method (CeO2-H) exhibits a superior catalytic performance and an excellent durability by eight recycle times. Based on the characterization and analysis, the excellent catalytic performance of CeO2-H is mainly contributed by its abundance of surface oxygen vacancies, and photogenerated electrons and hole activated by fluorescent light. This work shows a potential practicability in HCHO pollution elimination by taking full advantage of the existing lighting in indoor environments.