Photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange dye over titania nanocatalyst

Abstract

In this study, the ability of titania dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2) to remove methyl orange dye in aqueous solution was investigated. The effects of TiO 2 dosage (i.e. 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2 g), pH (i.e. 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12) temperature (30, 40 and 50°C) and light source (i.e. UV, sunlight and dark room) on the removal of methyl orange dye were studied. The experiments were conducted under the UV light irradiation with the presence of air bubbling. The samples were analyzed using UV-vis spectrophotometer at wavelength of 467 nm. From this study, it was found that the TiO 2 dose, pH, temperature and the presence of light had a strong effect on the removal of dye. The removal of dye was optimum at TiO 2 loading of 2.0 g, pH of 4, temperature of 30°C and under UV light condition.