Optimization of various photocatalytic reaction parameters of Degussa P25 under UV irradiation

• Published in: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society 2022-11, Vol.99 (11), p.100747, Article 100747
• Main Authors: Deka, Trinayana, Ningthoukhongjam, Pujita, Yadav, Mrigendra, Nair, Ranjith G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Degradation of pollutants; Photocatalysis; Photocatalytic reaction parameter
• ISSN: 0019-4522
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2022.100747

Solar photocatalysis is an Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP), used as a sustainable green technology for waste water treatment. Material engineering is one of the most widely reported strategies to develop efficient photocatalysts. However, material engineering is a time consuming and costly process. Recently it has been reported that optimization of photocatalytic reaction parameters can also enhance the photocatalytic performance substantially. In this study, an attempt was made to optimize the adsorption/desorption equilibrium and dispersion of the photocatalyst for improving the photocatalytic performance of the commercial photocatalyst Degussa P25 using Methylene Blue as the probe pollutant. The adsorption/desorption equilibrium studies were carried out under various conditions such as with and without stirring and sonication. Effect of dispersion of photocatalyst on photocatalytic performance was studied under various conditions such as stirring, sonication and with the help of homogenization. The result shows that the adsorption/desorption equilibrium was obtained under low stirring condition, within an optimal time of 20–30 min. In the study of the dispersion of photocatalysts to improve the photocatalytic performance, it is seen that dispersion under sonication showed highest photocatalytic performance under UV light irradiation. Interestingly, the use of homogenizer with higher range of rpm was not able to improve the photocatalytic performance of DP25 than stirring at lower range due to the shadow effect. Based on the above result this study gives an overview of the role of dispersion in improving the overall photocatalytic performance of the photocatalysts. [Display omitted] •The role of dispersion conditions of a photocatalyst on adsorption/desorption equilibrium is systematically studied.•The role of dispersion conditions of a photocatalyst on photocatalytic performance is systematically studied.•Identification of the optimal dispersion condition of Degussa P25 for better photocatalytic performance under UV irradiation.