Characterization of TiO2-Chitosan/Glass photocatalyst for the removal of a monoazo dye via photodegradation-adsorption process

In this paper, the newly explored TiO2-Chitosan/Glass was suggested as a promising alternative material to conventional means of wastewater treatment. Characterization of TiO2-Chitosan/Glass photocatalyst was studied with SEM-EDX, XRD, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The combination effect of photodegradation-adsorption process for the removal of methyl orange (MO), an acid dye of the monoazo series occur promisingly when four layers of TiO2-Chitosan/Class photocatalyst was used for MO removal. Approximately, 87.0% of total MO removal was achieved. The reactive -NH2, -OH, and metal oxide contents in the prepared photocatalyst responsible for the photodegradation-adsorption effect were confirmed by FTIR study. Similarly, MO removal behavior was well supported by SEM-EDX and XRD analysis. Significant dependence of MO removal on the TiO2-Chitosan loading can be explained in terms of relationship between quantum yield of photocatalytic reactions and photocatalyst structure/activity. Hence, the research work done thus far suggests a new method, having both the advantages of photodegradation-adsorption process in the abatement of various wastewater pollutants. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.