Photocatalytic degradation of methyl red dye by silica nanoparticles

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 2008-06, Vol.154 (1), p.245-253
• Main Authors: Badr, Y., Abd El-Wahed, M.G., Mahmoud, M.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Azo Compounds - chemistry; Azo Compounds - radiation effects; Catalysis; Catalytic reactions; Chemical engineering; Chemistry; Coloring Agents - chemistry; Coloring Agents - radiation effects; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Gold; Gold - chemistry; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanoparticles - ultrastructure; Particle Size; Photocatalysis; Photochemistry; Photodegradation; Pollution; Reactors; Silica nanoparticles; Silicon Dioxide - chemistry; Silver; Silver - chemistry; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; Ultraviolet Rays; Waste Disposal, Fluid - methods; Water Pollutants, Chemical - chemistry; Water Pollutants, Chemical - radiation effects; Water Purification - methods
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.10.020

Silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) were found to be photocatalytically active for degradation of methyl red dye (MR). The SiO 2 NPs and SiO 2 NPs doped with silver (and or) gold nanoparticles were prepared. From the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images the particle size and particle morphology of catalysts were monitored. Moreover, SiO 2 NPs doped with silver and gold ions were used as a photocatalyst for degradation of MR. The rate of photocatalytic degradation of MR was found to be increased in the order of SiO 2 NPs, SiO 2 NPs coated with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), SiO 2 NPs coated with Ag NPs, SiO 2 NPs coated with Au NPs, Ag +-doped SiO 2 NPs, and Au 3+-doped SiO 2 NPs. The kinetic and mechanism of photocatalytic reaction were studied and accorded well with experimental results.