TiO2-SiO2 coatings onto cordierite honeycomb monolith support for effective photocatalytic degradation of β-naphthol in a water solution

[Display omitted] •TiO2-SiO2 coatings onto cordierite honeycomb monolith support were successfully designed.•Three ratios of TiO2-SiO2, presenting in powder and coating film, were prepared, characterized, and evaluated.•TS5 was the most effective photocatalyst for photodegradation of β-naphthol.•Cordierite honeycomb monolith supports could potentially degrade the environmental contaminants. The release of organic pollutants into the water solution might damage and negatively affect the environment and human health. To address the safe disposal and clean-up of such pollutants, we explore the photodegradation of organic compounds in a water solution by immobilizing TiO2-SiO2 onto cordierite honeycomb monolith (CHM) support. We also pre-coat and cover the entire CHM by SiO2 layer to further enhance the specific surface area, mechanical properties of CHM, and adhesion of coated-photocatalyst. The catalytic layer thickness varies from 525 to 750 nm. Three ratios of TiO2-SiO2 (TS5, TS15, TS25), presenting in powder form and coating film onto CHM, were successfully prepared, characterized, and evaluated their photocatalytic activity toward the β-naphthol degradation under UV 395 nm. TS5 is the most effective photocatalyst for photodegradation of β-naphthol compound. However, the β -naphthol decomposition efficiency of the CHM photocatalytic system was lower than that of the powder sample. The main reason might come from the ineffective light transmission in the channels of CHM supports, especially between the middle to the end of channels.