Photocatalytic mineralization of a water pollutant, Sunset Yellow dye by an advanced oxidation process using a modified catalyst

Abstract

ZnS-loaded TiO₂ (ZnS–TiO₂) was synthesized by a sol–gel method. The catalyst was characterized by using different techniques (XRD, HR-SEM, EDS, DRS, PL, XPS, and BET methods). The photocatalytic activity of ZnS–TiO₂ was investigated for the degradation of Sunset Yellow FCF (SY) dye in an aqueous solution using ultraviolet light. ZnS–TiO₂ is found to be more efficient than prepared TiO₂, TiO₂–P25, TiO₂ (Merck), and ZnS at pH 7 for the mineralization of SY. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, dye concentration, and initial pH on photo mineralization of SY have been analyzed. The mineralization of SY has been confirmed by chemical oxygen demand measurements. The catalyst is found to be reusable.

Keywords:

• ZnS-loaded TiO₂
• photocatalysis
• UV light
• Sunset Yellow
• reusability

Acknowledgments

One of the authors (M. Shanthi) is highly thankful to UGC, New Delhi, India for financial support through research project F.No 41-288/2012 (SR).