Enhancing the TiO2-Ag Photocatalytic Efficiency by Acetone in the Dye Removal from Wastewater

TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel method and doped with Ag were characterized SEM, EDAX, FTIR, BET, XRD TEM, then tested in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation. The experimental results indicate that average size raw particles was 10 nm, their increased calcination. MB on nanostructured TiO2-Ag shows a high efficiency upon addition photosensitizer. A parametric study process performed has revealed optimal value photocatalyst dose (0.3 g L−1) at concentration 4 ppm. Afterwards, effect acetone as photosensitizer studied. mechanism proposed to explain synergy between silver performance. Under conditions, doses 0.1 0.2%, yields 92.38% 97.25% achieved, respectively. Kinetic models showed that, 0.1% concentration, data fit pseudo-first-order model, while 0.2% acetone, photodegradation fits second-order model. values apparent rate constants reaction 24 40 times presence TiO2-Ag. modified Ag-doped samples became more active. recycling tests using calcined material clearly show highly photocatalytically stable for degradation. According results, dye decreased from 92.39% after four consecutive cycles. This simple approach could be applied advanced cleaning wastewater contaminated dyes, perspective its reuse.