Abstract
TiO2 nanoparticles were in situ supported on lignite fly ash (TiO2-FA) and investigated by several techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis supplied information about the generation of anatase phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) revealed variations in the surface morphology of raw FA after TiO2 loading. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms (BET) isotherms indicated the formation of a mesoporous structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the buildup of TiO2 nanoparticles on the FA matrix with the form of Ti4+ oxidation state. The optimum FA content of the composite was found as 88%. The supported nanocatalysts were tested for water vapor adsorption towards evaporative cooling of hydrophilic surfaces and for decolorization and degradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV irradiation. The mesoporous TiO2-FA was found to be hydrophilic with capillary condensation in the water vapor adsorption isotherm. Dark adsorption experiments followed pseudo-second order kinetics and Langmuir type of isotherms. Kinetics was discussed in terms of Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The repeatability of photocatalytic activity was also tested. H2O2 used as an electron scavenger accelerated decolorization and degradation of MO.
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