Photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen in aqueous solution in the presence of montmorillonite nanosheets modified with titanium dioxide

In this study, the photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen was investigated using montmorillonite nanosheets modified with titanium dioxide (TiO2). This study was experimental and conducted on a laboratory scale. Identification of montmorillonite nanosheets modified with TiO2 was performed by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction, and TEM. For degradation of acetaminophen, aqueous solutions with different concentrations of acetaminophen, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and a montmorillonite nanoparticles modified with TiO2 catalyst were used. Parameters affecting photocatalytic reactions including pH (3–11), catalyst dose (0.1–1 g L–1), initial concentration (2–25 mg L–1), and contact time (15–150 min) were investigated. The concentration of acetaminophen was determined by spectrophotometer at 243 nm wavelengths. The FT-IR confirmed the presence of TiO2 on the montmorillonite nanosheets modified with TiO2. Using two other methods of detection, it was found that montmorillonite nanoparticles modified with TiO2 is more than 100 nm. The results showed that the maximum removal efficiency (100%) of acetaminophen was achieved at pH = 7, catalyst dose of 0.75 g L–1, the concentration of 2 mg L–1, and contact time of 120 min. The results of this study showed that montmorillonite nanosheets modified with TiO2 catalyst under the UV radiation is an effective method for removal of acetaminophen from aqueous solution.