A statistical modeling-optimization approach for photocatalytic degradation of diflouro triazole acetophenone using...

In this research, the performance of Ag-Fe co-doped TiO₂ (Ag-Fe CT) nanophotocatalyst for degradation of diflouro triazole acetophenone (DTA) from aqueous solutions under solar and UV radiations was compared. The novel photocatalyst was synthesized using a sol-gel method with varying Ti to Ag mole ratio (10, 25, 30, 40, 55). Synthetic wastewater was prepared from diflouro triazole acetophenone (DTA concentration 8 g/L and COD = 75,000 mg/L). Ag-Fe CT 30 photocatalyst has shown maximum COD removal efficiency for solar and UV irradiation. Ag-Fe CT 30 photocatalyst was able to absorb visible and UV radiations. Recyclability test proved that Ag-Fe CT 30 can be reused 3 times effectively for a not significant decrease in COD removal efficiency. A response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the single and combined effects of pH, photocatalyst dose, and Ti to Ag mole ratio parameters. Model showing relation of parameters with COD reduction efficiency has been developed and optimization has been carried out for solar and UV radiations. Results revealed that the optimal conditions for DTA removal were initial pH 5, photocatalyst dose of 3 g/L, and Ti to Ag mole ratio of 30. Maximum COD removal efficiency of 76% and 86% was observed under solar and UV radiations, respectively. This study would be useful for the removal of non-biodegradable organics from high-strength COD effluent in an economical and eco-friendly way.