engleski

Improvement of TiO2 Photocatalytic Performance with SnS2 Heterojunction Composites for Removal of Pharmaceutical Micropollutants

Diclofenac is one of the most commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, therefore its presence as a micropollutant in the environment is ubiquitous. Conventional wastewater treatment technologies are inadequate for removal of many pharmaceutical micropollutants, necessitating research for viable alternatives such as advanced oxidation processes. Among AOPs, TiO2 photocatalysis is particularly attractive because TiO2 is environmentally safe, inexpensive, and readily available. TiO2 is currently the de facto standard photocatalyst. However, its application in solar driven processes is limited due to the relatively wide band gap. Composite heterojunction TiO2/SnS2 photocatalysts were prepared and investigated for removal of diclofenac from aqueous solution under simulated solar irradiation. The purpose of SnS2 in the composite is to lower the band gap. The composites were immobilized on glass substrates by sol-gel technique and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by experiments carried out under simulated solar irradiation. The experimental plan was developed in accordance to Box-Behnken experimental design. Removal and conversion rates were monitored by high performance liquid chromatography and total organic carbon analysis. Toxicity and biodegradability parameters of the byproducts were also assessed. In comparison to pristine TiO2, the composites have shown enhanced photocatalyitic activity under solar irradiation and yielded improved quality of treated water.

diclofenac ; heterojunction composite ; photocatalysis ; TiO2/SnS2

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