Photocatalytic degradation of Direct Yellow 12 dye using UV/TiO2 in a shallow pond slurry reactor

The adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of diazo Direct Yellow 12 (Chrysophenine G), commonly used as a cotton, paper and leather dye has been investigated in aqueous suspension of semiconductor oxide TiO2 as photocatalyst in a non-concentrating shallow pond slurry type reactor under UV light. The adsorption of dye on the semiconductor shows a strong dependence on the pH and follows a Langmuir adsorption model. The studies include dark adsorption experiments at different pH conditions and their effect on initial rate of photodegradation. The effect of initial concentration of dye, catalyst loading, pH, addition of oxidant on the reaction rate was ascertained and optimum conditions for maximum degradation was determined. The disappearance of the organic molecule follows approximately a pseudo-first kinetic order according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. COD analysis of the dye under optimum conditions showed 94% reduction in COD after 2.5 h and complete decolourisation as determined by UV–vis analysis was achieved in 1.5 h.