Efficient photodegradation of 4,4′-(propane-2,2-diyl)diphenol over biomolecule modified titanium dioxide under visible light irradiation

A novel biomolecule (urushiol) grafted Degussa P25 hybrid nanoparticle (UP25) was synthesized, and its structure was characterized. The UP25 hybrid nanoparticle showed high photoactivity under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm). 4,4′-(propane-2,2-diyl)diphenol (Bisphenol A, BPA) can easily approach to UP25 surface through the hydrophobic channels between alkyl groups in urushiol. BPA degradation rate constants were 1.02 × 10− 3 min− 1 and 4.96 × 10− 3 min− 1 over P25 and UP25, respectively. Radical quenching experiments proved that the superoxide radical anion (O2−) mediated oxidation pathways were dominant for degradation of BPA.

► A new biomolecular semiconductor composite (urushiol modified TiO2) was synthesized.
► The reaction constant of BPA degradation increased by 4.9 times after modification.
► Superoxide radical mediated oxidation pathways were dominant for BPA degradation.