Photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Orange 4 by surface fluorinated TiO2 Wackherr under UV-A light

This paper reports the results of a study on the surface fluorinated titanium dioxide Wackherr’s “Oxyde de titane standard”, which shows very interesting photocatalytic activity. Characterization of FTiO2 Wackherr reveals that FTiO2 has smaller size compared to TiO2 Wackherr. The effect of fluoride ions on photocatalytic activity of TiO2 Wackherr in the degradation of a chlorotriazine azo dye Reactive Orange 4 (RO 4) under ambient conditions using UV light was investigated. The degradation rate of RO 4 with surface fluorinated TiO2 Wackherr is 2.4 times faster than TiO2-Wackherr. The degradation rate of UV/TiO2-Wackherr process is largely decreased by the increase of initial dye concentration, whereas in UV/FTiO2 Wackherr process, the influence of initial dye concentration is minimum. FTiO2 Wackherr catalyst is suitable for the treatment of dye industrial wastewater at higher concentration. The optimum operating conditions of UV/FTiO2 Wackherr process for efficient dye degradation are reported.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► FTiO2 Wackherr has smaller size when compared to TiO2 Wackherr. ► Energy dispersive spectrum confirms the presence of F in the surface of TiO2 Wackherr. ► The degradation rate of RO 4 with surface fluorinated TiO2 Wackherr is 2.4 times faster than TiO2-Wackherr. ► Treatment of dye effluent using FTiO2 will be more economical and eco-friendly.