Enhanced photocatalysis of pentachlorophenol by metal-modified titanium (IV) oxide

The effects of four metals (Ag, Au, Pt, and Cu) doped on TiO2 on the photocatalysis of pentachlorophenol (PCP) were investigated. The results of this study indicated that all four metals-doped TiO2 catalysts were able to enhance the efficiency of PCP photocatalysis with an optimum metallic content of 0.1 wt%. For the metal-doped TiO2 samples (Au, Pt, and Cu), the patterns of light absorption were significantly extended toward visible light spectra in the wavelengths between 400 and 800 nm. The photocatalysis of PCP was pH dependent with the maximum degradation rate achieved in the solution at pH 3. The formation of chloride ion corresponded with the concentration of PCP degraded which confirmed that dechlorination was the major pathway of PCP photocatalysis. The overall toxicities of PCP samples were reduced with the extension of light exposure using the microtox test. The results of PCP photocatalysis are also discussed based on the characteristics of metal/TiO2 including X-ray differential (XRD) patterns, Brunquer Emmett Teller (BET) specific area analysis, and Ultra Violet (UV)-Vis absorption spectra.