Photocatalytic decomposition of phenol in the presence of titanium dioxide

Abstract

New chemical processes are required for wastewaters which contain organic substances that are resistant to biological degradation. Aqueous phenol solution was photodecomposed with a high-pressure Hg lamp in the presence of TiO2 (anatase type) as a photocatalyst at 40.degree. C. The rate of phenol decomposition increased with TiO2 concentration and decreased with increasing initial concentration of phenol. The apparent quantum yield for phenol decomposition was 0.014 in the primary stage of decomposition for TiO2 concentration of 50 mg/l. The initial decomposition rate had the maximum value at pH 3.3. The addition of Cu to TiO2 increased the rate of phenol decomposition. Hydroquinone and catechol were the main products detected by high-performance liquid chromatography.