Photolysis and Photocatalysis of 1,4 Dichlorobenzene Using Sputtered TiO2 Thin Films

Abstract

The rate of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) degradation in the aqueous phase was investigated under direct photolysis or photocatalysis in the presence of TiO2 thin film prepared by reactive sputtering using a metal Ti target and a reaction sputtering atmosphere of argon and oxygen. The prepared thin films were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). XPS confirmed the presence of completely oxidized TiO2 films whereas XRD showed that the films contained a mixture of rutile and anatase phases with rutile being approximately 30% of the total volume. Two lamps, both of the same power but different wavelength range were employed as irradiation sources. Photocatalysis showed faster removal of 1,4-DCB as compared to direct photolysis. The complete degradation was attained using the freshly prepared TiO2 sample. The intermediate produced during the photocatalysis was benzoquinone. Photolysis using visible irradiation was relatively slower and both benzoquinone and hydroquinone were formed as intermediates. Higher initial degradation rates were observed when the same film was re-used, most probably due to the effect of washing of the TiO2 thin films surface with methanol.