The photocatalytic degradation of 17α-ethynylestradiol by pure and carbon nanotubes modified TiO 2 under UVC illumination

Abstract

Commercial product Degussa TiO2 P25, sol-gel produced TiO 2 and TiO 2 modified by carbon nanotubes addition (5% of the TiO 2 mass) are tested as photocatalysts for the degradation of endocrine disrupting compound 17α-ethynylestradiol (1 μM aqueous solution). The molecular and crystal structure, phase composition, crystallite size, specific surface area, pore average diameter, their area and volume distribution, morphology, IR and UV/Vis spectra of the catalysts are characterized. HPLC is used for estrogen analysis. The sorption ability and photocatalytic activity (measured by degradation rate constant and percentage of the pollutant conversion) of the catalysts under UV (17 W, emission maximum at 254 nm) irradiation is determined. Full destruction of the pollutant is reached after 30 min irradiation in presence of Degussa P25. The performance of some of the catalysts is compared with literature data for their activity under 365 nm-illumination. © Versita Sp. z o.o.