Abstract
Au-TiO2 catalysts were used in the photocatalytic degradation of the methylene blue dye (MB). The synthesis of titanium oxide (TiO2) was carried out by sol-gel method. Subsequently, particles of Au were deposited on the surface of the semiconductor by photo-deposition, thus modifying the surface of the semiconductor. For the characterization of the catalyst obtained, the techniques of X-ray Diffraction (DRX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Spectroscopy with Diffuse Reflectance (DR) and Surface Area by the BET (Brunauer, Emmett y Teller) were used. The solid obtained was tested experimentally as a catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of a solution of MB. The data obtained were analyzed by UV-vis Spectroscopy and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and the results indicated conversions were greater than 80%. The intermediate products were evaluated by mass coupled gas chromatography (GC-MS) and the MB decomposition route was by hydroxylation, obtaining aromatic intermediates, esters and products of the chemical degradation of the molecule.
Highlights
The contamination of the water generates a great concern, due to the increase in the demand for drinking water due to the exponential growth of the population [1]
The data obtained were analyzed by UV-vis Spectroscopy and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and the results indicated conversions were greater than 80%
This study shows the efficiency of doped catalysts with methylene blue dye (MB), it is shown that the photocatalytic processes are highly efficient to remove certain organic molecules and that the efficiency of the process depends on the method of synthesis of the solid and the Nature of the contaminant
Summary
The contamination of the water generates a great concern, due to the increase in the demand for drinking water due to the exponential growth of the population [1]. Within this type of pollutants, there are persistent and recalcitrant ones; both harmful to the environment and human health. Electron-hollow pairs are generated by excitations of electrons from the valence band to the conduction band Such pair formation generates free radicals such as hydroxyl groups ( ⋅OH ) in the system, which are very efficient oxidants of organic materials [12]. Different semiconductor photocatalysts, such as TiO2, ZnO, SrTiO3, ZnS, CdS and ZrO2 have been used for the degradation of contaminants [13] [14]. This study shows the efficiency of doped catalysts with MB, it is shown that the photocatalytic processes are highly efficient to remove certain organic molecules and that the efficiency of the process depends on the method of synthesis of the solid and the Nature of the contaminant
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