Fast photo-catalytic degradation of pyridine in nano aluminum oxide suspension systems

UV light can degrade pyridine to ammonia nitrogen at room temperature. The decomposition of pyridine under UV irradiation with the help of aluminum oxide powders was rarely studied. While with the assist of alumina, fast photo-catalytic degradation of pyridine to 100 percentage ammonia nitrogen was realized within an hour. The promising promotion phenomena were confirmed in opening other nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (NHCs) such as quinoline and 2,2′-bipyridine. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the alumina powder was about 100 nm in size. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the sample was mainly a-Al₂0₃. Specific surface area of the sample was about 280 m²/g determined by BET method. The optimum dosages of catalysts and effects of pH value were also tested. There was no clear absorbance of the alumina sample showed in the range of 200-420 nm. It is believed that the interaction between pyridine and alumina surface hydroxyl caused by chemisorptions weakened the carbon-nitrogen bond and led to the promotion of the decomposition.