A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 supported natural palygorskite microfibers
Abstract This study deals with the synthesis of TiO2 supported Moroccan palygorskite fibers and their use as photocatalyst for the removal of Orange G pollutant from wastewater. The TiO2-palygorskite nanocomposite synthesis was accomplished according to a colloidal route involving a cationic surfactant as template (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide) assuring hence organophilic environment for the formation of TiO2 nanoparticles. The clay minerals samples were characterized before and after functionalization with TiO2. Anatase crystallizes above ca. 450°C and remarkably remains stable up to 900°C. In contrast, pure TiO2 xerogel obtained from titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) showed before calcination a nanocrystalline structure of anatase. By increasing the temperature, anatase readily transforms into rutile beyond 600°C. The remarkable stability at high temperature of anatase particles immobilized onto palygorskite microfibers was due to the hindrance of particles growth by sintering. Homogeneous monodisperse distribution of anatase particles with an average size of 8nm was found by TEM and XRD onto palygorskite fibers. This anatase particle size remains below the nucleus critical size (ca. 11nm) required for anatase–rutile transition. The TiO2 supported palygorskite sample annealed in air at 600°C for 1h exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of Orange G compared to nanocomposite samples prepared under different conditions as well as pure TiO2 powders obtained from the xerogel route or commercially available as Degussa P25.
Research Highlights ► Nanocomposite photocatalyst based on TiO2 supported on palygorskite microfibers. ► Remarkable stability of anatase nanoparticles deposited on clay fibers. ► TiO2-palygorskite photocatalyst more efficient than commercial Degussa P25. ► Functionalized natural clay for treatment of waste water. Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 supported natural palygorskite microfibers
Abstract This study deals with the synthesis of TiO2 supported Moroccan palygorskite fibers and their use as photocatalyst for the removal of Orange G pollutant from wastewater. The TiO2-palygorskite nanocomposite synthesis was accomplished according to a colloidal route involving a cationic surfactant as template (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide) assuring hence organophilic environment for the formation of TiO2 nanoparticles. The clay minerals samples were characterized before and after functionalization with TiO2. Anatase crystallizes above ca. 450°C and remarkably remains stable up to 900°C. In contrast, pure TiO2 xerogel obtained from titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) showed before calcination a nanocrystalline structure of anatase. By increasing the temperature, anatase readily transforms into rutile beyond 600°C. The remarkable stability at high temperature of anatase particles immobilized onto palygorskite microfibers was due to the hindrance of particles growth by sintering. Homogeneous monodisperse distribution of anatase particles with an average size of 8nm was found by TEM and XRD onto palygorskite fibers. This anatase particle size remains below the nucleus critical size (ca. 11nm) required for anatase–rutile transition. The TiO2 supported palygorskite sample annealed in air at 600°C for 1h exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of Orange G compared to nanocomposite samples prepared under different conditions as well as pure TiO2 powders obtained from the xerogel route or commercially available as Degussa P25.
Research Highlights ► Nanocomposite photocatalyst based on TiO2 supported on palygorskite microfibers. ► Remarkable stability of anatase nanoparticles deposited on clay fibers. ► TiO2-palygorskite photocatalyst more efficient than commercial Degussa P25. ► Functionalized natural clay for treatment of waste water. Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 supported natural palygorskite microfibers
Bouna, L. (author) / Rhouta, B. (author) / Amjoud, M. (author) / Maury, F. (author) / Lafont, M.-C. (author) / Jada, A. (author) / Senocq, F. (author) / Daoudi, L. (author)
Applied Clay Science ; 52 ; 301-311
2011-03-16
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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