Titania stabilized Pickering emulsion for photocatalytic degradation of o-xylene

• Published in: Colloids and surfaces. A, Physicochemical and engineering aspects Physicochemical and engineering aspects, 2025-01, Vol.705, p.135534, Article 135534
• Main Authors: Maji, Nitai C., Kaisare, Niket S., Basavaraj, Madivala G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Interfacial catalysis; o-Xylene; Photocatalysis; Pickering emulsion; Titanium dioxide
• ISSN: 0927-7757
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2024.135534

Efficient removal of insoluble volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from wastewater is a significant environmental challenge. In this work, we exploit the synergistic effect of photocatalysis and the high interfacial area of TiO2-stabilized Pickering emulsion to achieve efficient degradation of o-xylene, typically present in wastewater discharged from many industries. Interfacial photocatalysis is carried out by considering o-xylene in water Pickering emulsions stabilized by commercial titania nanoparticles in a multitube non-stirred reactor setup. Stable emulsions used for catalysis are formulated by optimizing o-xylene volume fraction, TiO2 concentration, pH, and homogenization conditions. The influence of photocatalyst loading, emulsion droplet size, and reaction conditions are systematically examined to determine their influence on the rate of photocatalytic degradation of o-xylene. Due to enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with conventional stirred batch photocatalysis, the TiO2-stabilized Pickering emulsion is found to increase the degradation rate and removal efficiency of o-xylene significantly. Furthermore, the Pickering emulsion stability during the photocatalytic process is studied, demonstrating the capacity of the emulsions to maintain stability and catalytic activity over a longer time period. The distinctive characteristics of Pickering emulsions – excellent storage stability and enhanced photocatalytic activity – make them a promising option for advanced wastewater treatment. The findings lead to the development of ecologically acceptable and sustainable VOC degrading strategies, which might be used in industrial and home wastewater treatment systems. [Display omitted] •Formulation of Titania stabilized o-xylene in water pickering emulsion.•Photocatalytic degradation of o-xylene in a multitube non-stirred reactor setup.•Four times better o-xylene degradation compared to a conventional stirred tank reactor.•Key parameters like particle concentration and emulsion droplet size optimize degradation.•Promising sustainable strategy for treating VOCs in industrial and domestic wastewater.