Parameters affecting the photocatalytic degradation of model textile dye in wastewater using TiO 2

Abstract

The degradation of Methylene blue, commonly used as a textile dye, can be photocatalysed by TiO2 . In this study, a detailed investigation of photocatalytic degradation of BM is presented. Photodegradation efficiency was small when the photolysis was carried out in the absence of TiO2 and it was also negligible in the absence of UV light. The semi-log plot of dye concentration versus time was linear, suggesting first order reaction. The effects of some parameters such as pH, amount of photocatalyst, hydrogen peroxide and were also examined. The addition of proper amount of hydrogen peroxide improved the decolorization, while the excess hydrogen peroxide could quenched the ormation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH)...