Preparation of mesoporous Hangjin 2# clay supported Nd-TiO2 and its photodegradation of organophosphorus pesticides wastewater

Abstract

Hangjin 2# clay exhibits excellent adsorption properties and stability, which has been extensively used in many fields. It was further modified into mesoporous clay (MC) to enhance its degradation performance. Nd-TiO2/MC catalysts were synthesized through high-energy ball milling. The results were characterized using various techniques such as XRD, HRTEM, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption, XPS, UV-Vis DRS, and photo electrochemistry. The photocatalytic degradation of the organic pesticide monocrotophos (Mcp) was tested. The findings revealed that the addition of Nd could induce lattice distortion in TiO2, reduce the bandgap, decrease grain size, and increase the specific surface area. Among these catalysts, 0.5 mol% Nd-TiO2 exhibited the most effective photodegradation performance. At 0.5 mol% Nd, the photocurrent was enhanced, charge transfer resistance was reduced, e-/h+ recombination was effectively inhibited, and the lifetime of e-/h+ pairs was extended. With the addition of 2.5 mg of the catalyst and 1.5 h of irradiation under a 400 W gold halide lamp, only 8.89% of Mcp remained. After loading onto MC, the photodegradation performance of 0.5 mol% Nd-TiO2/MC (30%) was the most remarkable. Under the same conditions, the active component was 2.3 mg, leading to complete degradation of Mcp. Additionally, the mesoporous clay could adsorb the ions produced during the degradation process. This study utilizes rare earth Nd-doped titanium dioxide for the photodegradation of Mcp, with Hangjin 2# clay selected for loading, offering a novel approach to pesticide photodegradation.