Photo-degradation and photo-mineralization of reactive brilliant orange KN-5R by nano-photocatalyst-modified 3D fabrics

In this study, ZnO, TiO2 and ZnO/TiO2 nano-photocatalysts (nphs) were loaded into 3-dimensional fabrics (spacer fabrics) for photo-decolorization and photo-mineralization of Reactive Brilliant Orange KN-5R (RBO KN-5R). Surface morphology and the presence of nphs on the spacer fabrics were studied utilizing SEM and FTIR, respectively. Also, the effect of main operational parameters on the decolorization efficiency was investigated and the process was optimized. Furthermore, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis was employed to scrutinize the photo-mineralization of the dye. Complete decolorization, high efficient mineralization and 90% TOC reduction were achieved in the case of ZnO/TiO2 nphs after 120 min of UV light irradiation. Also, the kinetic analyses indicated that the photocatalytic decolorization rate followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model. The results revealed that the spacer fabrics loaded with ZnO/TiO2 nphs can be considered as an effective system for decolorization and TOC reduction of reactive dyes in textile wastewater.