Ag Deposition on N and B Co-doped TiO2 Nanoparticles: An Avenue for High-Efficiency Photocatalytic Degradation of Dye and Hydrocarbons in Oil-Contaminated Wastewater

Abstract

Nowadays, the treatment of refractory wastewater such as oil-field wastewater has become one of the most concerning environmental problems. Using nanometer photocatalyst to treat wastewater under visible light is an alternative solution. In this study, N and B co-doped TiO2 particles with Ag surface modification (Ag/TNB) were prepared to improve the visible-light activity. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–VisDRS. The decomposition of Rh.B, and hydrocarbons in the oil-field wastewater under visible light was studied. The results showed that the presence of N, B and Ag improved the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. 98% of Rh.B was removed after 1 h photocatalysis at the conditions of pH 6 with the catalyst loading of 1 g/L. The COD value of oil-field wastewater was reduced by 54% after 2 h at the conditions of pH 8 with the catalyst loading of 2 g/L. The modified catalyst revealed its great potential in the practical application for environmental purification.