Abstract
ABSTRACT Water pollution by organic pollutants is a continuous and increasing problem of global concern. In this paper, we developed a nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and titania (TiO2) based nanocomposite for the photocatalytic degradation of o-chloranil via aqueous wet impregnation. Different NCC loadings (10, 20, 40, and 80%) were used, and several analytical and microscopy techniques characterised the NCC/TiO2 catalyst. The efficiency of TiO2 as a photo-catalyst was enhanced through the chiral nematic nature and potential charge carrier capacity of NCC, which lowered the rate of electron recombination. The NCC/TiO2 material was used in the solar-driven photo-degradation of o-chloranil (3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1,2-benzoquinone), a by-product of a commonly used pesticide. The successful decomposition of o-chloranil led to the successful identification of three breakdown products, namely 2,3-dichloro-4,5-dioxohex-2-enedoic acid (DCA), 2,3-dioxosuccinic acid (DSA) and oxalic acid (OA). The 20% NCC/TiO2 catalyst was found to be optimum and showed excellent degradation and mineralisation of o-chloranil within 2 hours (~90% degradation after 2 hours or 0.00920 mols of the total 0.0102 mols). The degradation products were analysed and identified using GC-MS. The photo-catalyst offers many benefits, including ease of preparation, a low cost-factor, and high stability with no loss of activity. Keywords: nanocrystalline cellulose; o-chloroanil; photocatalyst; photo-degradation; titania
Highlights
Environmental pollution is a significant yet poorly controlled hazard of the modern world.[1]
This study shows that the nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC)/TiO2 catalyst could efficiently catalyse the photo-degradation and mineralisation of the
Three products were identified by gas chromatography (GC) after 120 min (Figure S4a)
Summary
Environmental pollution is a significant yet poorly controlled hazard of the modern world.[1]. O-chloranil was used as a fungicide and algicide and was found to be genotoxic Banned, it is still used in a few countries and efforts to remediate the soil are underway.[5] Control of organic pollutants in water sources is an essential measure of environmental protection. It is still used in a few countries and efforts to remediate the soil are underway.[5] Control of organic pollutants in water sources is an essential measure of environmental protection In this regard, biodegradation pathways have garnered attention amongst the proposed and developed processes to eliminate organic contaminants.[4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
