Effect of the Type of Ultraviolet on the Photocatalytic Removal of Xylene as a Pollutant in the Air Using TiO2 Nanoparticles Fixed on the Activated Carbon

Background and Objective: Currently, photocatalysts have become a major focus of research in physics, chemistry, and surface engineering. It is hoped that this science help to solve various environmental problems.  This study investigated the effect of ultraviolet lamp type on the removal efficiency of xylene utilizing the fixation of TiO2 nanoparticles on the activated carbon absorber and passing different concentrations of polluted air through xylene. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, after the fixation of nanoparticles on activated carbon, the produced catalyst characteristics with the specific surface area were determined using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM). A dynamic concentrator system was used in order to produce xylene vapor. Moreover, the photocatalytic removal efficiency of xylene with three inlet concentrations of the pollutant was studied under ultraviolet rays in the wavelengths of A and C regions. Results: The results of BET analysis and SEM images showed that nanoparticles were well fixed on the surface of activated carbon. Moreover, the photocatalytic removal efficiency in the concentrations of 50, 100 and 300 ppm was equal to 87.8%, 98.9%, and 90.8%, respectively. In addition, no significant difference was observed between ultraviolet A and C regarding photocatalytic removal efficiency of xylene. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the inlet concentration of the pollutant had an effect on its photocatalytic removal efficiency. However, there was no significant difference between ultraviolet A and C regarding photocatalytic removal efficiency of xylene.