Photocatalytic effect of (TiO2/CeO2) with support of β-cyclodextrin for enhanced performance under solar light

In this study, we have reported the interaction of binary metal oxides (TiO2/CeO2) with beta-CD towards enhancement in the photocatalytic performance under solar light irradiation. The interactions of (TiO2/CeO2) with beta-CD characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). XRD analysis shows that the fluorite structure of CeO2 and anatase structure of TiO2 have not been changed after the addition of beta-CD. The structure morphology of (TiO2/CeO2), not changed by the addition of beta-CD, is also confirmed by SEM analysis. Addition of CeO2 and beta-CD with TiO2 is found to be significantly extended the absorption edge towards the visible region which is confirmed by UV-DRS spectral data. The photocatalytic activity of the modified (TiO2/CeO2)-beta-CD system was evaluated by decolorization of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye taken as a model pollutant under solar light irradiation. The formation of an inclusion complex of RhB with beta-CD is confirmed by UV-Vis analysis. Various experimental parameters like (TiO2:CeO2) ratio, initial concentration of RhB dye, dose of the catalyst, irradiation time and pH have been investigated. Kinetic results show that decolorization reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. The mineralization of RhB dye was also confirmed by COD measurements. The modified (TiO2/CeO2)-beta-CD system exhibits higher photocatalytic activity than (TiO2/CeO2), TiO2 and CeO2. A suitable reaction mechanism for the effective decolorization of RhB dye by (TiO2/CeO2)-beta-CD system has also been proposed.