Photocatalytic degradation of p-cresol by zinc oxide under UV irradiation.
Photocatalytic degradation of p-cresol was carried out using ZnO under UV irradiation. The amount of photocatalyst, concentration of p-cresol and pH were studied as variables. The residual concentration and mineralization of p-cresol was monitored using a UV-visible spectrophotometer and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer, respectively. The intermediates were detected by ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC). The highest photodegradation of p-cresol was observed at 2.5 g/L of ZnO and 100 ppm of p-cresol. P-cresol photocatalytic degradation was favorable in the pH range of 6-9. The detected intermediates were 4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde and 4-methyl-1,2-benzodiol. TOC studies show that 93% of total organic carbon was removed from solution during irradiation time. Reusability shows no significant reduction in photocatalytic performance in photodegrading p-cresol.
Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Advanced Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia; E-Mails:  zulkar@science.upm.edu.my  (Z.Z.).
Yadollah
Y
Abdollahi
Abdul Halim
AH
Abdullah
Zulkarnain
Z
Zainal
Nor Azah
NA
Yusof
D002384:Catalysis; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003408:Cresols / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D010782:Photolysis / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*
D003408:Cresols; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C032538:4-cresol; D015034:Zinc Oxide