Photocatalytic degradation of azo dye Metanil Yellow: Optimization and kinetic modeling using a chemometric approach

The photocatalytic degradation of an azo dye Metanil Yellow was carried out in aqueous solution using TiO2 as photocatalyst under UV irradiation. The decolorization and degradation kinetics were investigated and both followed a pseudo first order kinetic according to Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Using HPLC/DAD and GC/MS analyses, more than 10 major reaction intermediates were identified and a tentative degradation pathway was proposed. Furthermore, ion chromatography (IC) and TOC measurements revealed a complete mineralization of Metanil Yellow into CO2, N2, H2O and inorganic ions (NH4+, NO3− and SO42−).On the other hand, an experimental design based on the surface response methodology was applied to assess the individual and interaction effects of several operating parameters (dye concentration, TiO2 concentration, pH, light flux, etc.) on the treatment efficiency (dye removal time). Based on the experimental design data, a semi-empirical expression was obtained, permitting to predict and optimize the dye removal time. This model was very consistent with experiment results (correlation factor: 99.5%). Moreover, additional experimental results obtained under near optimal conditions were found to be very close to the predicted values.This work demonstrates well the utility and benefits of the experimental design approach for screening and modeling the reaction parameters. Furthermore, it contributes significantly to the improvement and better understanding of photocatalytic processes.