Open AccessInvestigation of photocatalytic performance of natural zeolite/TiO 2 composites
Author(s) -
Koohestani Hassan,
Hassanabadi Mohammad,
Mansouri Hamed,
Pirmoradian Abbas
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
micro and nano letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.25
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1750-0443
DOI - 10.1049/mnl.2018.5754
Subject(s) - zeolite , photocatalysis , materials science , adsorption , diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform , methyl orange , diffractometer , scanning electron microscope , wastewater , chemical engineering , composite material , nanoparticle , catalysis , nanotechnology , environmental engineering , chemistry , organic chemistry , environmental science , engineering
The growing increase of industrial wastewater, environmental contaminations, and the necessity of clean water has stressed the importance of removing pollutants. One of the effective means of removing pollutants from water and wastewater is by utilising zeolite. Zeolite, despite possessing unique photophysical properties (such as numerous fine cavities, the high capability to adsorb, and chemical–thermal stability), represents some limitations when being used. Depositing photocatalysts on zeolite particles to improve its removal potential is of much interest. In this work, therefore, TiO 2 nanoparticles were deposited on fine particles of zeolite. Zeolite/TiO 2 composites were evaluated by X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analyses. The results indicate that the presence of TiO 2 nanoparticles reduces the specific surface area. However, it causes the ability to absorb UV light. Increasing the amount of TiO 2 any further will bring about a redshift in absorption edge. Photocatalytic properties of the composites were assessed by methyl orange and cyanide ion removal examination. The 10%TiO 2 composite with the specific surface area of 34 m 2 /g and bandgap energy of 3.3 eV showed to be the most efficient. The superior photocatalytic performance of 10%TiO 2 sample was confirmed by the examination of producing hydrogen from water/methanol.