Photocatalytic degradation of Nile red using TiO2-β cyclodextrin colloids

Abstract

Photochemically stable catalysts for complete degradation of organic dyes are yet to be developed. Most of the proposed systems suffer from loss of activity with use, at varying extent. In the present investigation, the photoactivity of TiβCD in the visible region is studied using the organic dye (Nile red). This system is relatively inexpensive, reproducible, extremely stable and efficient in complete degradation of dye in aqueous solution. In order to obtain maximum information about the performance of TiβCD catalyst, we varied the components of the system for dye degradation. The dependence of the degradation percentage on the amount of catalysts and concentration of the dye has been studied. In addition to the above, a comparative study on the photocatalytic activities of colloidal TiO2 in the presence of the Nile red was also made.