Preparation and characterization of co-doped tio2 for efficient photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen

Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of Ibuprofen (IBU) which is an anti-inflammatory drug was investigated in aqueous solution by Co-doped TiO2 and bare TiO2 synthesized by reflux route. The prepared catalyst powders were fully characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET surface areas, X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), dynamic light scattering (DLS). Efficiency of photocatalytic activity for synthesized Co-doped and bare TiO2 was evaluated for the degradation of IBU under UV-C and visible irradiation by investigating the effects of cobalt doping percentage, amount of catalyst, irradiation time, initial IBU concentration, pH and also the effect of organic and inorganic matrix. At optimum degradation conditions under UV-C light and visible light, photocatalytic degradation rates were monitored using UV/Vis spectrophotometer, HPLC and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis. The results showed up the degradation of IBU was improved upon Co doping. It was detected that complete removal was achieved within 240 min of irradiation under UV-C and 98% of IBU was decomposed under visible light in 300 min.