Photocatalytic degradation of model textile dyes in wastewater using ZnO as semiconductor catalyst.
Semiconductor photocatalysis often leads to partial or complete mineralization of organic pollutants. Upon irradiation with UV/visible light, semiconductors catalyze redox reactions in presence of air/O2 and water. Here, the potential of a common semiconductor, ZnO, has been explored as an effective catalyst for the photodegradation of two model dyes: Methylene Blue and Eosin Y. A 16 W lamp was the source of UV-radiation in a batch reactor. The effects of process parameters like, catalyst loading, initial dye concentration, airflow rate, UV-radiation intensity, and pH on the extent of photo degradation have been investigated. Substantial reduction of COD, besides removal of colour, was also achieved. A rate equation for the degradation based on Langmuir-Hinshelwood model has been proposed.
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya P. C. Road, Kolkata 700 009, India.
Sampa
S
Chakrabarti
Binay K
BK
Dutta
D002384:Catalysis; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010777:Photochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D012666:Semiconductors; D013783:Textile Industry / Q000379:methods*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*
D004396:Coloring Agents; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D015034:Zinc Oxide