title: A hybridization approach to efficient TiO2 photodegradation of aqueous benzalkonium chloride.
abstract: TiO2 get positively charged upon UV-irradiation and repel the cationic pollutants away from the surface. Hybridization of AC onto TiO2 (ACT) tends catalyst surface negatively charged besides providing highly favorable adsorptions sites for cationic pollutants. The photodegradation of benzalkonium chloride (BKC), a quaternary ammonium surfactant and a pharmaceutical, is investigated with ACT. The surface charge of the catalyst in surfactant and non-surfactant aqueous dispersion under UV-irradiation is investigated and explained. The anomalous increase in COD values at the beginning of BKC-photodegradation is explained. The intermediate products formed are identified in both solution and solid phase. Trace amount of dodecane remained adsorbed on the catalyst surface after 1h UV-irradiation, but complete mineralization of BKC is achieved with 2h UV-irradiation. We propose that BKC photodegradation starts by central fission of benzyl CN bond followed by dealkylation, and demethylation steps.
authors: Research group of Applied and Analytical Chemistry, University Hasselt, Agoralaan, Gebouw D, BE-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium. Electronic address: schithraps@gmail.com.
authors: Padmajan Sasikala
authors: PS
authors: Suchithra
authors: Research group of Applied and Analytical Chemistry, University Hasselt, Agoralaan, Gebouw D, BE-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Carleer
authors: Materials Science and Technology Division, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR), Trivandrum 695019, India.
authors: Solaippan
authors: S
authors: Ananthakumar
authors: Research group of Applied and Analytical Chemistry, University Hasselt, Agoralaan, Gebouw D, BE-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium. Electronic address: jan.yperman@uhasselt.be.
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Yperman
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry; D010782:Photolysis; D013499:Surface Properties; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C009495:titanium dioxide; D002244:Carbon; D014025:Titanium
keywords: Activated carbon; Benzalkonium chloride; Photodegradation; TiO(2)