Optimizing photocatalytic degradation: SnO2-PVC thin film catalyst for efficient removal of acridine orange

Abstract

Industrial wastewater containing hazardous organic pollutants is an emerging global issue demands efficient treatment methods. The semiconductor-mediated photodegradation has emerged as a promising solution, which gaining increased interest. This study focuses on photocatalytic degradation of Acridine Orange using thin film catalyst composed of PVC immobilized with nano SnO2. The photocatalytic efficiency of the prepared catalyst was evaluated through various experiments, and the operational parameters such as irradiation source, initial dye concentration, pH, and co-occurring ions were investigated. The catalyst demonstrated superior dye removal under UV radiation at 254 nm. The impact of pH revealed maximal degradation at pH 11. Moreover, the study explored the influence of co-occurring ions, indicating their quenching effect on the degradation process. Kinetic analysis revealed a concentration-dependent degradation rate which aligns with the kinetic model of Langmuir−Hinshelwood. The reusability of the SnO2-thin film photocatalyst demonstrated sustained activity over multiple cycles. The findings highlight the potential of SnO2-PVC thin film as a photocatalyst for dye removal, emphasizing the importance of optimizing operational parameters for enhanced efficiency.