Work

Photocatalytic Performance of Zr-Modified TS-1 Zeolites: Structural, Textural and Kinetic Studies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: TS-1 zeolite and a series of Zr-modified samples (TS-1/xZr) were synthesized and systematically characterized to investigate the influence of zirconium incorporation on structural, textural, and photocatalytic properties. The structural and textural properties of the samples were examined by XRD and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Elemental analysis (EDXRF, SEM/EDS) and FTIR confirmed successful incorporation of Zr into the TS-1 framework. Photocatalytic tests under white light irradiation using crystal violet (CV), methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes revealed enhanced degradation efficiency for the Zr-containing samples, particularly TS-1/10Zr. Kinetic modeling using pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) approaches indicated that dye degradation followed mainly PSO kinetics. Reusability studies demonstrated sustained stability and recyclability of the catalysts. The improved photocatalytic performance is attributed to synergistic electronic effects between Ti and Zr species, which enhance charge separation and light absorption.

Source: Molecules

DOI: 10.3390/molecules31020209

Authors: Hristina Lazarova, Borislav Barbov, Elena Tacheva, Rusi Rusew, Stela Atanasova-Vladimirova, Boris Shivachev

Institutions: Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography "Acad. Ivan Kostov" Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physical Chemistry

Language: English

Topic: Zeolite Catalysis and Synthesis

Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funder: Bulgarian National Science Fund