Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol-A using N, Co Codoped TiO₂ Catalyst under Solar Light

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) including heterogeneous photocatalysis has proven as one of the best technique for waste-water treatment. Photocatalytic process using semiconductor like TiO₂ based heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising method for the treatment of toxic pollutants. In the present study, visible-light photoactive cobalt and nitrogen co-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized via wet impregnation method. The photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectra, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), UV-vis spectrophotometer and X-ray photoelectron spectrophotometer (XPS). The photocatalytic activitiy of prepared (N, Co)-codoped TiO₂ on the mineralization of Bisphenol-A (BPA) under visible light irradiation was studied and the results were compared to commercial TiO₂ (Degussa P25). The results demonstrated that 1.5% Co and 0.5% N - codoped TiO₂ samples revealed higher activity than commercial TiO₂. Total organic carbon (TOC) removal was observed to be 97%, which indicate the complete mineralization of BPA. GC-MS analysis was carried to find out the possible intermediates formed and reaction pathway.