Abstract
For the first time, data on the effect of TiO2 modification by N-doping or by carbon nanotubes on the photocatalytic destruction of endocrine disrupting compounds 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) and 17β-estradiol (E2) in aqueous solutions are reported. A possibility to accomplish photocatalytic process under halogen lamp irradiation is shown. The catalyst is prepared by a sol–gel method. During the synthesis process, it is modified by N-doping (1.8 % nitrogen) or by carbon nanotube addition (5 % of the TiO2 mass). X-ray diffractometry, SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption–desorption, X-ray photoelectron and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy are applied for characterization. The crystal structure, phase composition, crystallites size, specific surface area, pores average diameter, pore area and volume distribution, morphology, UV–Vis and X-ray photoelectron spectra of the materials are reported and discussed. An HPLC technique is used for estrogen analysis. The sorption ability and photocatalytic activity (measured by degradation rate constant and percentage of the pollutant conversion) of the catalysts under UV (150 W, emission maximum at 365 nm) or 150 W halogen lamp illumination are determined. Full destruction of E2 and >99.7 % of EE2 is reached after 2 h irradiation with halogen lamp.
Published Version
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