Photocatalytic decolorisation of methylene blue (MB) over titania pillared zirconium phosphate (ZrP) and titanium phosphate (TiP) under solar radiation

The photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) was studied in aqueous solution over titania pillared ZrP and TiP under solar radiation. The reaction was studied by varying different parameters such as pH, titania load, catalyst concentration, initial MB concentration, irradiation time, effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), effect of inorganic salts such as potassium persulphate (K2S2O8) and sodium chloride (NaCl). The initial rate of photodegradation of methylene blue is favoured in neutral pH (pH 7.0). Potassium persulphate and hydrogen peroxide were found to impose the enhancing effect on the rate of photodegradation of MB where as sodium chloride exhibits an inhibiting effect.

The photodecolorisation of methylene blue was studied over 4 and 2 wt.% TiO2 intercalated titanium phosphate and zirconium phosphate, respectively, under solar radiation at pH 7.0. The effect of hydrogen peroxide, sodium chloride, potassium persulphate were studied on the initial rate of photodegradation of methylene blue. Hydrogen peroxide and potassium persulphate were found to impose the enhancing effect on the photodegradation of methylene blue by retarding the electron–hole recombination process. But sodium chloride was found to inhibit the degradation process. Four weight percent titania pillared TiP showed highest activity due to its higher surface area, basal spacing, pore volume and lower crystallite size than that of 2 wt.% TiO2 pillared ZrP. Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide