TiO2 Supported Clinoptilotile: Characterization and Optimization of Operational Parameters for Methyl Orange Removal.

Titania dispersed on dealuminatedClinoptilotile (TiO2/HCP) was synthesized and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Supporting characterization techniques reveals partly dispersion of TiO2 within the cavities of dealuminated Clinoptilotile (HCP) and TiO2 exist as nanoparticles or clusters on the HCP surface ascribed to lower loading of TiO2. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange solution was conducted under UV-irradiation in the presence of TiO2/HCP. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange in the presence of the photocatalyst was optimized at lower loading of TiO2, at a lower initial dye concentration (30 ppm), calcination temperature of 873K and nitrate ion accelerates degradation activities of methyl orange. Kinetic studies depict the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange follows the pseudo-first order reaction.