Solar photocatalytic mineralization of isoproturon over TiO2/HY composite systems

The present investigation covers immobilization of titanium dioxide over HY support for the treatment of isoproturon pesticide. Catalysts are characterized by XRD, SEM–EDAX, TEM, BET surface area and UV–vis DRS. A detailed photocatalytic degradation study under solar light in aqueous suspensions with parameters like loading of TiO2 over HY, amount of the catalyst, concentration of substrate, pH effect, durability of the catalyst and comparison between suspended TiO2 and supported systems are reported. Mineralization of isoproturon is monitored by total organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand and a plausible mechanism is proposed for photocatalytic degradation based on degradation products.