Phenol decomposition under sunlight using a sonochemically synthesized CdSe/TiO2 nanocatalyst

Abstract

Ultrasound energy has been successfully employed to synthesize CdSe/ TiO 2 nanocatalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of phenol under solar light irradiation. The photocatalytic performance test was carried out using TiO 2 as well as synthesized CdSe/TiO 2 nanocatalysts. Nanocatalyst characterization was accomplished using XRD, SEM, FTIR, BET and UV-vis spectroscopy. It was shown that the synthesized nanocatalysts have crystal characteristics and are in nano-scale size range. The coupled nanocatalyst has shown a shift in the absorption spectrum from the UV range to the visible range. The results of photocatalytic tests showed that the CdSe/TiO 2 coupled nanocatalyst could remove phenol from wastewater under solar light irradiation, while TiO 2 did not have enough activity in this process. It is also shown that the CdSe nanoparticles act as photosensitizers, not only extending the spectral response of TiO 2 to the visible region but also reducing the electron-hole recombination. Furthermore, the CdSe/TiO 2 synthesized samples provided more photomineralization efficiency than that of TiO 2 in terms of total organic carbon analysis.

Abatement of toluene from polluted air over Mn/Clinoptilolite–CeO2 nanopowder: Impregnation vs. ultrasound assisted synthesis with various Mn-loading

“…Sonochemical synthesis method, under principle of acoustic cavitation, provides an ultimate condition, local temperature of 5000 K, and pressures of 2000 bar, heating and cooling rates of >10 10 K/s induce unique interaction between energy and matter [47][48][49][50]. This extraordinary condition causes the formation of novel nanostructures under ultrasonic irradiation [27,34,51].…”

Direct conversion of syngas to dimethyl ether as a green fuel over ultrasound-assisted synthesized CuO–ZnO–Al2O3/HZSM-5 nanocatalyst: effect of active phase ratio on physicochemical and catalytic properties at different process conditions

“…[18][19][20] It can produce homogeneous and dispersed nanoparticles without the need for expensive instruments and extreme conditions. 18,21 The effect of ultrasound waves can be attributed to the generation, growth and collapse of micro bubbles in the solution. If the cavitations take place close to the surface of the particles, a jet of liquid penetrates inside the bubble perpendicular to the particle's surface leading to formation of a high velocity micro jet of liquid toward the surface.…”

Nanocatalysts: Effect of Active-phase and Promoter on Catalytic Properties and Performance in the Hydrodesulfurization Reaction

“…Furthermore, phosphorus addition increases solubility of molybdenum salt in impregnation solution, hence makes easy catalysts preparation (Nicosia and Prins, 2005). Among the new techniques, ultrasound method is one of the most promising methods to produce nanoscale particles (Ghodrati et al, 2011;Estifaee et al, 2014;Rahmani et al, 2014). In this method, ultrasonic waves improve dispersion of active phase on support.…”