Solar Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol in Aqueous Solutions Using Titanium Dioxide

In this study, photocatalytic degradation of phenol by 
titanium dioxide (TiO2) in aqueous solution was evaluated. The UV 
energy of solar light was utilized by compound parabolic collectors 
(CPCs) technology. The effect of irradiation time, initial pH, and 
dosage of TiO2 were investigated. Aromatic intermediates (catechol, 
benzoquinone, and hydroquinone) were quantified during the reaction 
to study the pathways of the oxidation process. 94.5% degradation 
efficiency of phenol was achieved after 150 minutes of irradiation 
when the initial concentration was 100 mg/L. The dosage of TiO2 
significantly affected the degradation efficiency of phenol. The 
observed optimum pH for the reaction was 5.2. Phenol photocatalytic 
degradation fitted to the pseudo-first order kinetic according to 
Langmuir–Hinshelwood model.

• Mohamed Gar Alalm
• Ahmed Tawfik

• Compound parabolic collectors
• phenol
• photocatalytic
• titanium dioxide.

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