Photo catalytic degradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LAS) is a common substance used in the production of detergents in the world. This is an organic material with its structure made of benzene ring and double bonds. This structure creates many problems for the environment and humans. Up to now, various methods have been used to eliminate this pollution. A recently proposed method to remove this organic pollution is advanced oxidation processes. Photocatalytic degradation is also an efficient method to destroy organic structures. In this research, TiO2 nanoparticles are used as a photocatalyst that is activated by UV irradiation. TiO2 nanoparticles and pollution suspension are incorporated into the new design of the reactor with coaxial cylinders in which the inner cylinder rotates at a constant speed. The results show that in low concentrations of LAS, using TiO2 nanoparticles, the time to reach pollution elimination is reduced significantly. In higher concentrations of LAS, UV irradiation is more effective than activated TiO2 nanoparticles.