Solar-light induced photodecolorization of water soluble azo-azomethine dye: influence of operational parameters and nanophotocatalysts

Abstract

AbstractPhotocatalytic decolorization of a new water soluble azo-azomethine dye, sodium 4-((4-hydroxy-3-((2-(4-(4-(2-hydroxy-5-((4-sulfonatophenyl)diazenyl)benzylide-neamino)butyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethylimino)methyl)phenyl)diazenyl)benzenesulfonate, 2,4-PIP, has been reviewed under solar light and UV irradiation. The effects of experimental parameters such as (i) initial dye concentration, (ii) the nanophotocatalyst dosage, (iii) hydrogen peroxide concentration, (iv) irradiation time, and (v) pH on photodecolorization of the dye have been investigated. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and ZnO on rate and efficiency of decolorization was also investigated. The result indicated that TiO2 was a valuable alternative nanocatalyst than ZnO for decolorization of the dye in the presence of solar light and UV irradiation at pH 5–7. Furthermore, maximum decolorization of the dye (more than 95%) was occurred in the presence of TiO2 during 30 min under solar light. The intermediate products of photodecolorization wer...