Effective Photocatalytic Degradation of Nitrobenzene by Magnetite Modified Titania Composite

Abstract

Magnetic photocatalyst of magnetite modified titania composite Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ was prepared by co-precipitation and sol-gel methods followed by calcination at 450 ºC. The produced material was confirmed by XRD, FTIR spectrophotometer, vibrating sample magnetometer and transmission electron microscope. The solid material was tested as a photocatalyst for degradation of nitrobenzene under UV light irradiation. The progress of degradation of nitrobenzene was monitored by using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The photodegradation of nitrobenzene could be best realized at a medium pH of 7 and 120 min of irradiation. The reaction rate constant of nitrobenzene degradation catalyzed by TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄/TiO₂ solids were found to be 0.0058 min^-1 and 0.0092 min^-1, respectively. The photocatalyst was recoverable by use of a magnetic bar and reusable.