Effective Photocatalytic Degradation of Nitrobenzene by Magnetite Modified Titania Composite

Abstract

Magnetic photocatalyst of magnetite modified titania composite Fe3O4/TiO2 was prepared by co-precipitation and sol-gel methods followed by calcination at 450 ºC. The produced material was confirmed by XRD, FTIR spectrophotometer, vibrating sample magnetometer and transmission electron microscope. The solid material was tested as a photocatalyst for degradation of nitrobenzene under UV light irradiation. The progress of degradation of nitrobenzene was monitored by using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The photodegradation of nitrobenzene could be best realized at a medium pH of 7 and 120 min of irradiation. The reaction rate constant of nitrobenzene degradation catalyzed by TiO2 and Fe3O4/TiO2 solids were found to be 0.0058 min-1 and 0.0092 min-1, respectively. The photocatalyst was recoverable by use of a magnetic bar and reusable.