Influence of supports on photocatalytic degradation of phenol and 4-chlorophenol in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide

The photocatalytic degradation of phenol and 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) in aqueous suspensions with the use of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) under UV irradiation was examined. The effects of different supporting materials mixed physically with TiO₂ were studied to achieve maximum degradation efficiency. Among the three supports, namely activated carbon (AC), silica (SiO₂) and zeolite (ZSM-5), all exhibited paramount efficiency for degradation of phenol and 4-CP and was better than TiO₂ alone. The optimum concentration was found to be 50 mg for all supporting materials. The efficiency order of the three supports was as follows: AC > ZSM-5 > SiO₂, respectively. Whilst, the degradation of phenol and 4-CP was improved from 70.6% to 87.6% and 80.6% to 89.7%, respectively, within 120 min photocatalysis in the presence of optimal amount of AC. The degradation was also comparatively enhanced in the presence of cheaper rice husk and the activity was closed to ZSM-5 and lower than AC.