Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes by TiO2 Process in Batch Photoreactor

Abstract

Chemical contamination in water caused by pollutants is becoming a severe environmental problem. The combination of photocatalysis and solar technologies are a valuable method for water pollution reduction caused by dyeing composites. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effects of operating parameters on the dyes photocatalytic degradation using titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based photocatalyst. Different types of dyes were used in this study, such as methylene blue, congo red, and methyl orange. The different weights of TiO2 were mixed respectively in 500 ml of 10 mg/L dye solutions, which was set up in the photoreactor priorly. Later, the sample extractions were carried and analyzed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The dye removal efficiency was investigated by changing conditions (catalyst dosage, light sources, and aeration). The results showed methylene blue photocatalytic degradation was best with 0.0547 min-1 degradation rate at conditions of 3.0 g/L of TiO2, presence of UVC lamp, and aeration. Congo red photocatalytic degradation was best with 0.0254 min-1 degradation rate at conditions of 1.0 g/L of TiO2, presence of sunlight, and aeration. Methyl orange photocatalytic degradation was best with 0.0094 min-1 degradation rate using 1g/L of TiO2, presence of UVC lamp, and aeration. These findings can be used as an effective option in industrial wastewater treatment.