Titanium dioxide/zeolite catalytic adsorbent for the removal of NO and acetone vapors

This study delineates a simple and versatile approach for the removal of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and volatile organic vapors over composites of titanium dioxide (TiO2) catalyst/zeolite adsorbent under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at ambient temperature. The catalytic adsorbents with different TiO2/H-ZSM-5 zeolite ratios were prepared by a simple insipient wetness impregnation method. It was found that a 60%/40% weight ratio of TiO2/H-ZSM-5 composite is most effective and can achieve over 90% efficiency for the removal of NO and acetone vapors. This composite also showed a better long-term activity than that of bulk TiO2 photocatalyst or zeolite adsorbent. The experimental results revealed that photocatalytic decomposition of NO was dramatically enhanced in the presence of acetone. NO also promoted the acetone oxidation under humid conditions. Furthermore, the co-existence of acetone and NO in the gaseous stream could reduce acid accumulation on the surface of the catalyst as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Thus, the TiO2/zeolite catalytic adsorbent could have a high potential for the removal of multiple air pollutants in the indoor air environment.