Tailoring amount of TiO2 doped onto fibrous silica ZSM-5 for enhanced photodegradation of paracetamol

Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol has received much attention due to its low energy consumption, high efficiency and safety to environment. A simple electrolysis system was used to synthesis a series of titania (1-5 wt%) supported on fibrous silica ZSM-5 (TiO2/FZ). The FESEM images showed the cockscomb-like surface of FZ was preserved even after the addition of TiO2. FTIR results confirmed that TiO2 is successfully incorporated with FZ through the Si-O-Ti bonds. The adsorption edge of TiO2 shifted to the higher wavelength after supported on FZ and lowering the band gap of TiO2. The photodegradation of paracetamol was resulted in the following order: 3 wt% TiO2/FZ (90%) > 5 wt% TiO2/FZ (71%) > 1 wt% TiO2/FZ (65%). 3 wt% TiO2/FZ exhibits excellent photodegradation of paracetamol owing to the highest number of Si-O-Ti bonds and lowest band gap. The result obtained give new insight for other wastewater treatment processes over photodegradation of various pollutants.