Journal of Environmental Biology

Photocatalytic degradation of phenol in water using TiO₂ and ZnO

 

Suja P. Devipriya and Suguna Yesodharan*

 

School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi - 682 022, India

(Received: November 19, 2008; Revised received: March 07, 2009; Accepted: March 30, 2009)

 

Abstract: Photocatalytic degradation of chemical pollutants in water was investigated using semiconductor oxide catalysts, zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and phenol as the substrate. Influence of various parameters such as characteristics of the catalyst, irradiation time, substrate and catalyst concentrations, pH etc. has been studied and optimum conditions for the complete degradation of phenol in water have been identified. In terms of activity and durability, TiO₂ is far superior to ZnO. Mixing ZnO with TiO₂ does not affect its activity significantly. The process is especially relevant in view of its potential for the treatment of wastewater containing pollutants, using solar radiation as the energy source.

Key words: Photocatalysis, Titanium dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Wastewater, Phenol, Solar irradiation

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