Abstract

Noureddine Barka^1*, Idriss Bakas², Samir Qourzal², Ali Assabbane², Yhya Ait-Ichou²

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/ojc/290328

The photocatalytic degradation of phenol in a static-batch photoreactor, using a UV lamp as a light source and TiO₂ as a photocatalyst, was investigated. The effects of various parameters, such as photocatalyst dosage, initial substrate concentration, reaction pH and addition of oxidants, on the phenol degradation rate of TiO₂ photocatalysis were examined. The degradation rates proved to be strongly influenced by these parameters. Adsorption of phenol is a prerequisite for the TiO₂-assisted photodegradation. In the presence of both UV light illumination and TiO₂ catalyst, phenol was more effectively degraded than with UV alone. Phenol showed higher photocatalytic oxidation efficiency at natural pH. The reaction rate was found to obey pseudo first-order kinetics represented by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. A complete photomineralization of phenol can be easily achieved.

Advanced Oxidation Processes;Photocatalysis;TiO2; Photomineralization;Phenol;Water treatment

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