Photocatalytic Degradation of 4-Chlorophenol by •OH Radicals Generated by Thiophene Oligomers Incorporated in ZSM-5 Zeolite Channels

Abstract

Degradation of 4-chlorophenol by reactive oxygen species was studied, the latter being generated by photo-assisted reactions of thiophene oligomers, synthesized in channels of the Na-ZSM-5 zeolite. The photoreaction was carried out in an aqueous suspension of photocatalyst, irradiated with visible light (λ > 400 nm). The spin-trapping method was used to detect the generated •OH radicals. The main products of the photodecomposition of 4-chlorophenol were found to be phenol, hydroquinone and maleic acid.