Photocatalytic Oxidative Degradation of Carbamazepine by TiO2 Irradiated by UV Light Emitting Diode

Abstract

Here, ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LED) combined with TiO2 was used to investigate the feasibility of carbamazepine (CBZ) degradation. The effects of various factors, like crystal form of the catalyst (anatase, rutile, and mixed phase), mass concentration of TiO2, wavelength and irradiation intensity of the UV-LED light source, pH of the reaction system, and coexisting anions and cations, on the photocatalytic degradation of CBZ were studied. The mixed-phase (2.8 g/L) showed the best degradation efficiency at 365 nm among three kinds of TiO2, wherein CBZ (21.1 µM) was completely oxidized within 1 h. The results of batch experiments showed that: (i) CBZ degradation efficiency under UV-LED light at 365 nm was higher than 275 nm, due to stronger penetrability of 365 nm light in solution. (ii) The degradation efficiency increased with increase in irradiation intensity and pH, whereas it decreased with increase in initial CBZ concentration. (iii) The optimal amount of mixed-phase TiO2 catalyst was 2.8 g/L and excessive catalyst decreased the rate. (iv) The co-existence of CO32−, HCO3−, and Fe3+ ions in water significantly accelerated the degradation rate of photocatalytic CBZ, whereas Cu2+ ions strongly inhibited the degradation process of CBZ. ·OH was found to be the main active species in the UV-LED photocatalytic degradation of CBZ. UV-LED is more environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and safer, whereas commercial TiO2 is economical and readily available. Therefore, this study provides a practically viable reference method for the degradation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs).