Application of TiO2- Zeolite Nano-Composite for Photodegradation of 4-Chlorophenol

Application of TiO₂- Zeolite Nano-Composite for Photodegradation of 4-Chlorophenol

In this research, nanoparticle of b-zeolite was synthesized by solgel method and titanium dioxide was prepared by hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide. To prepare TiO₂-zeolite nano-composite, the synthesized b-zeolite was mixed with requisite amount of TiO₂ dispersed in acetone. The mixture was thoroughly homogenized, dried at 110ËšC and calcined at 400ËšC. The nano composite was characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. Photocatalytical activity of the nano-composite for degradation of 4-chlorophenol was studied under UV irradiation. The influence of effective parameters including; pollutant initial concentration, amount of TiO₂, pH and irradiation time were studied and optimized. The results showed that the synthesized nanocomposite in terms of rate and degradation efficiency was better than bare TiO₂. The optimal degradation was obtained at pH=2.5 and initial concentration of 100 mg.L-1 and 10% TiO₂ loading. The photocatalyst was recyclable and retained its initial properties after four regeneration cycles.