Synthesis of TiO2-entrapped EFAL-removed Y-zeolites: Novel photocatalyst for decomposition of 2-methylisoborneol

As a new photocatalyst, TiO2-entrapped EFAL (extra-framework-aluminium)-removed Y-zeolites (TiO2–EFAL-removed Y-zeolites) were synthesized, and they were applied to photocatalytic decomposition of 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) dissolved in water. UV-absorption spectroscopic and GC-mass spectrometric studies released that the photocatalytic decomposition of 2-MIB is achieved through formation of a cyclopentene-type intermediate. It was found by kinetic studies that TiO2–EFAL-removed Y-zeolites are highly adsorptive and their photocatalytic quantum efficiency was about 0.04, much larger than that of Degussa P-25 TiO2. These results suggest that TiO2–EFAL-removed Y-zeolites would be promising photocatalysts for efficient and rapid removal of taint compounds in natural water resources.