Photocatalytic removal of gaseous toluene by titanium dioxide coated on nickel foam: Influence of relative humidity and toluene concentration

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the impact of relative humidity (RH) and contaminant concentration on photocatalytic conversion of gaseous toluene by using TiO 2 coated on nickel foam. Materials and Methods: TiO 2 nanoparticles were prepared by the sol-gel process and coated on nickel foam. Structural and morphological characteristics of nanoparticles were determined using Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction analysis. Photocatalytic conversion of gaseous toluene at the different levels of RH and toluene concentration was measured under ultraviolet-A radiation by gas chromatograph with Flame Ionization Detector. Results: After being fixed the contaminant concentration, 30% level of RH had the most impact on the photocatalytic efficiency, 10, 0,5 0 and 80% levels of humidity had, in turn, the most impact. Results also showed that TiO 2 nanoparticles coated on nickel foam at the concentration of 20 ppm had the most efficiency of photocatalytic conversion. After that, the most efficiency was recorded at the 10 and 50 ppm concentrations, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results, the photocatalytic conversion of gaseous phase toluene by TiO 2 coated nickel foam is increased with the increase of RH to a certain level; beyond that the conversion efficiency is decreased gradually due to the saturation of photocatalyst surface and decrease in nanoparticle activity. Furthermore, photocatalytic conversion of gaseous toluene is decreased with the increase of toluene concentration.