Photocatalytic degradation of azo pyridone dye: Optimization using response surface methodology

Abstract

Response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design have been applied to describe and optimize photocatalytic degradation of azo pyridone dye using TiO₂, H₂O₂, and simulated sun light. The mutual interactions between three independent variables, viz. H₂O₂ concentration, irradiation time, and TiO₂ content were obtained. The results revealed that the most influential variables under selected reaction conditions were irradiation time and TiO₂ content. The optimized conditions for the photocatalytic degradation of azo pyridone dye were as follows: H₂O₂ concentration: 130.5 mg/L, irradiation time: 54.8 min, and TiO₂ content: 2.48 g/L. Under these conditions, the maximum decolorization efficiency of 96.43% was achieved. This experimental value was in good agreement with the predicted one, which proved the validity of the model. Operation cost analysis indicated that irradiation time had the major influence on total process cost. The RSM based on the central composite design was shown to be a successful technique for the optimization of the decolorization efficiency of azo pyridone dye and can be very helpful in improving the process economic feasibility. TOC analysis showed that the dye could be effectively mineralized during photocatalytic degradation.

Keywords:

• Photodegradation
• Azo pyridone dye
• Response surface methodology
• Central composite design
• Optimization

Acknowledgment

The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Serbia, Project No. III 45001.

Notes

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