Photocatalytic Oxidation of Four Model Mercaptans from Aquatic Environment Using Ag-ZnO Nanocomposite Thin Film for Odor Control

In this study, Ag-ZnO nanocomposite thin film catalysts coated on glass prepared by a simple spin-coating method were used to mineralize four model mercaptans, 2-Mercaptobenzoxazole (MBO), 2-Mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI), 3-Mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (MT) and 2-Mercaptopyrimidine (MP) for odor control. Ag-ZnO nanocomposite thin film was characterized by means of X- ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X- ray spectrometry (SEM/EDX). It was found that these mercaptans underwent photocatalytic degradation in the presence of Ag-ZnO nano-composite thin film, and the optimum catalyst was Ag-ZnO with 0.064 molar percent of Ag. The rate of photocatalytic process carried out with Ag-ZnO thin film as well as the relationship between the operational parameters. This fundamental research about the photocatalytic reaction provides essential knowledge with potential to further develop a new process for mercaptan degradation in odor control.