Solvent effects on photodegradation of CI Reactive Orange 16 by simulated solar light

• Main Authors: Mijin Dušan Ž., Zlatić Dragana Z., Ušćumlić Gordana S., Jovančić Petar M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Association of Chemical Engineers of Serbia 2008-01-01
• Series: Hemijska Industrija
• Subjects: Synthetic Dye; Titanium Dioxide; Photodegradation; Photocatalysis
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0367-598X/2008/0367-598X0805275M.pdf

Organic solvents may appear in wastewaters and other industrial waste streams containing dyes, therefore, their photodegradation catalyzed by TiO2 should be investigated. Solvent effect on photodegradation of CI Reactive Orange 16 has been studied using simulated solar light and P-25 TiO2. Methyl, ethyl and isopropyl alcohol as well as acetone were used as solvents. Photodegradation reaction was faster in methyl than in ethyl alcohol while in water was the slowest. RO16 photodegradation efficiency and reaction rate decreased in the presence of small concentration of ethanol. Higher photodegradation efficiency was observed for higher ethanol concentration. For acetone, photodegradation decreased as concentration of acetone increased. It seems that protic solvents at higher concentrations promote reaction, while at low concentrations slow down reaction. Aprotic solvents slow down reaction.