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Title: Effects of particle size of TiO{sub 2} on photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in aqueous suspensions

Journal Article · · Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ie980378u· OSTI ID:329253
; ; ; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Nanjing Univ. of Chemical Technology (China). Membrane Science and Technology Research Center
  2. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States). Chemical Technology Div.

The influence of particle size of TiO{sub 2} on the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) in a suspended aqueous solution has been studied. The results suggested that the adsorption rate and adsorbability of MB on suspended TiO{sub 2} particles increased as the particle sizes of TiO{sub 2} decreased. Photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} also increased as the particle size of TiO{sub 2} became smaller, especially when the particle size is less than 30 nm. The half-life (t{sub 0.5}) of the photocatalytic degradation of MB also decreased as the particle sizes of TiO{sub 2} decreased. The first-order reaction rate constant for photodegradation of MB increased as the particle size of TiO{sub 2} decreased. The initial degradation rate of MB in a suspended model was higher than that of a fixed-bed model. This will overcome the difficulty of preparation of ultrafine TiO{sub 2} catalyst particles. Once the problem of separation of fine TiO{sub 2} particles is solved, a TiO{sub 2} suspended photoreactor could be provided on an industrial basis.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
OSTI ID:
329253
Journal Information:
Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, Vol. 38, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1999
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English