SOLAR-DRIVEN PHOTOCATALYTIC DECOMPOSITION OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN POLLUTED WATER BY ONE-DIMENSIONAL TITANIA PHOTOCATALYSTS

Abstract

The degradation of phenolic and dye compounds in polluted water is highly demanded but experiences big challenges. This work discussed the actual performance of TiO2 in purification of industry wastewater with phenolic components and the crucial role of reactant adsorption on the photocatalyst in the wastewater treatment. Therefore, firstly, TiO2 nanowires NW650 were synthesized and exhibited high photocatalytic activity in phenolic compounds degradation. The total-organic-carbon (TOC) of the treated water declined from 28 ppm to around 5 ppm by NW650 under sunlight excitation in one hour. Secondly, layered titanate was synthesized to adsorb methylene blue (MB). 90% of MB could be adsorbed from water by layered titanate within 2 min and removed by both thermal oxidation and photocatalytic degradation, suggesting a new strategy for the wastewater treatment by combining the rapid pollutant adsorption and followed catalyst regeneration.