Work

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange and cyanide by using TiO2/CuO composite

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, the effect of adding 5–12.5 wt% CuO to TiO2 on photocatalytic properties of the nano-composite TiO2/CuO was investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, SEM, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and DRS. BET-specific surface area of the TiO2/CuO composites was lower than that of the pure TiO2. Incorporation of CuO into TiO2 shifted absorption spectra to the visible region. As the CuO content increased from 0 to 12.5%, a clear decrease in optical band gap from 2.95 to 2.30 eV was observed. The photocatalytic performance was determined by methyl orange degradation and cyanide photo-oxidation under ultraviolet irradiation. However, the excessive incorporation of CuO did not improve any ability of TiO2 to degrade MeO and cyanide. The highest rate of photocatalytic degradation was found in TiO2–7.5% CuO. The rate constants of the dye degradation reaction using TiO2 and TiO2–7.5% CuO catalysts were 0.0107 and 0.0151 min−1, respectively. Corresponding results for cyanide disinfection were 0.0049 and 0.0110 min−1.

Source: Desalination and Water Treatment

DOI: 10.1080/19443994.2015.1132395

Authors: Hassan Koohestani, Sayed Khatiboleslam Sadrnezhaad

Institutions: Semnan University, Sharif University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,000