| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26149 | Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry | 2013 | 8 Pages |
Pickering emulsion could be a new way for the enhancement of the photocatalysis process efficiency, in particular when applied to degrade non-soluble organic pollutants. To validate this idea, Pickering emulsions were prepared by using monochlorobenzene (MCB) as a model organic contaminant of low solubility in water and TiO2 modified by salicylic acid (SA) as stabilizer. XRD, TEM, TGA, XPS and FTIR were used to characterize the fine solid particles of TiO2–SA. Electrical conductivity and optical microscopy were used to characterize emulsions. We focused to prepare emulsions of small drop size by varying the pH of continuous phase (water), the weight fraction of solid particles and the emulsification process. The as-prepared emulsions were photocatalytically degraded under visible radiation. The removal rate of MCB was measured by UV/vis spectroscopy. The results proved that use of a Pickering emulsion stabilized by TiO2–SA nanoparticles provides an effective and novel way to intensify the photocatalytic degradation of the organic contaminant.
Graphical abstractAdopting the scheme of Pickering emulsion stabilized by fine particles of photocatalysts appropriately surface modified could effectively intensify the photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in wastewater treatment. Small drop size is expected to improve the contact area between the organic contaminant (MCB) and the photocatalyst (TiO2–SA) and thus it is identified as the key to intensify the photocatalytic degradation of MCB via the Pickering emulsion way.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared and modified with salicylic acid (SA). ► TiO2–SA is used as a stabilizer for MCB/water Pickering emulsion. ► Small drops are searched by varying some operational parameters. ► Photocatalytic process is applied to degrade MCB via the Pickering emulsion way. ► Pickering emulsion way could intensify the photocatalytic treatment of wastewater.
