Economical and operational optimization of the enhanced titania photocatalytic activity by plasmonic effect for the treatment of real petrochemical wastewater

Abstract

The present study aims to improve photocatalytic properties of pure TiO₂ by noble metal (Ag). A catalyst of Ag/TiO₂ made by the co-precipitation method was immobilized on concrete surface. The SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM and DRS as the quantitative techniques were conducted on the catalyst. Then, the catalyst was utilized in the field of the treatment of real petrochemical wastewater. Results showed the maximum COD removal (81%) was achieved at pH = 4.5, detention time of 240 min and catalyst dosage of 15 gr/m². The catalyst shows reasonable repeatability after five consecutive experiments in the optimum conditions.

Keywords:

• Ag/TiO₂
• RSM
• optimization
• petroleum wastewater
• photocatalytic activity

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of Kharazmi University.