Treating surface active compounds in water by using photocatalyst system Cu2+ / TiO2 structure and sunlight

Abstract

In this research, the photocatalyst system, included Cu²⁺/TiO₂ material and sunlight (most of which is the light in the visible range), was investigated in the significantly COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) decreasing of the experimental liquid contented the organic surface active compounds. The results have shown that photocatalyst with 10% loading of Cu²⁺compound on the TiO₂ surface brings about the highest treatment capacity in COD decreasing (around 90%) under the sun lighting. It could be implied by Cu²⁺ ions dropped into the TiO₂ structure resulting the highly active catalyst in the visible range. Additionally, the effect of H₂O₂ compounds on the COD decreasing behavior of this photocatalyst is also concerned.

Key words: photocatalyst, Cu^2+/ TiO₂, surface active compounds