Preparation and utilization of TiO2 supported on Zeolite Y as a photocatalyst for solar light degradation of aqueous phenolic compounds

Purabi Mahanta; Krishna G Bhattacharyya

Volume : IV, Issue : III, March - 2015

Preparation and utilization of TiO2 supported on Zeolite Y as a photocatalyst for solar light degradation of aqueous phenolic compounds

Purabi Mahanta, Krishna G Bhattacharyya

Abstract :

In this work, the solar radiation induced photocatalytic degradation of phenol, 2–chlorophenol and 4–chlorophenol was studied over a model catalyst prepared by supporting titanium dioxide on zeolite Y. The catalyst characterization was done by techniques like XRD, FTIR and SEM. The effects of various parameters like catalyst loading, initial concentration of the dye, reaction time and pH were investigated. The efficiencies of the catalyst calcined at 773 K were compared with those of the uncalcined catalyst, the original titanium dioxide, and the parent zeolite Y. After a reaction was over, the reaction mixture was centrifuged and the unconverted reactant was estimated spectrophotometrically in supernatant. The used catalysts were washed thoroughly and were tested for reuse capability. The catalysts could be reused up to four runs without much loss of activity. The reactions were also carried out in the dark and the results were compared with those of the solar experiments. The progress of the reactions was also monitored by measuring the chemical oxygen demand of the reaction mixture from time to time. The reaction kinetics was worked out.