Photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol using TiO2 and Pt-TiO2 nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method

Abstract

The photocatalytic degradation of 4-Chlorophenol (4-CP) in aqueous solution has been carried out with TiO2 nanoparticles, prepared by sol-gel method. The effects of various factors, such as different calcination temperatures of TiO2, amount of catalysts, and intensity of light sources were attempted for the efficient degradation of 4-CP. Pt doped TiO2 photocatalysts were also prepared by photo-reduction method and applied for 4-CP degradation. Pt-TiO2 catalysts showed higher rate of degradation of 4-CP than the P-25, commercially available TiO2. Multi-wall carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) were used as solid support for TiO2 catalysts and proved to be useful materials to speed up the settling process within I h after the reaction was over. The intermediate products formed during the degradation of 4-CP were identified using LC-MS.