Supported TiO2 on Kaolin, Cordierite, and Calcite for Photocatalytic Removal of Dyes from Wastewater

Kaolin, cordierite, and calcite are investigated as supports for TiO2. The prepared TiO2/support samples are examined for the removal of organic dyes from wastewater. The samples are preliminarily investigated to identify the optimal loaded system using synthetic wastewater containing methylene blue (MB). Data indicate that the investigated support significantly affects the photocatalytic activity of the supported TiO2. Low photocatalytic activity toward MB degradation is observed upon using TiO2/calcite when compared to the unsupported TiO2. Interaction between calcite and titania species probably occurrs to produce the less photoactive CaTiO3 amorphous species. Anatase TiO2 is obtained upon using kaolin and cordierite as supports. The low photocatalytic performance of the TiO2/kaolin sample is also observed. A high concentration of MB on TiO2/kaolin surfaces blocks the photoactive sites. TiO2/cordierite shows the highest photocatalytic activity compared to the unsupported TiO2 as well as the other TiO2/support samples. Rigid cordierite particles suppress the agglomeration of TiO2 particles during the preparation, leading to a high exposed surface of TiO2 towards light illumination. TiO2/cordierite is investigated for the removal of organic dye from real wastewater collected from a textile dyeing factory. Color removal of up to 46% is achieved upon UV irradiation. Photocatalytic degradation of organic dye in wastewater is achieved under UV illumination. Three different TiO2/support systems (TiO2/kaolin, TiO2/cordierite, and TiO2/calcite) are used. The results reveal that the most promising efficiency is obtained using TiO2/cordierite system. The optimal loading percentage is 39%.