Synthesis and Characterization of a Magnetic TiO2 for Propylparaben Degradation

Abstract

This work carries out a study of the heterogeneous photocatalysis process using TiO₂ and the composite TiO₂/iron oxides as catalysts, in order to perform the degradation of propylparaben. The composite produced aims to maintain the catalytic capacity of the precursor material, while improving the recovery of the material after its application. Magnetic removal is a quick and efficient way of reapplying the catalyst. The photocatalysts produced were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM/EDS, PL and UV–vis. The composite obtained showed the predominant crystalline phases anatase and magnetite, as well as photocatalytic activity which was increased by the decrease of the material bandgap, promoted by the materials combination. The materials efficiency was determined under ultraviolet irradiation through the degradation of propylparaben, in which the highest efficiency was obtained with the composite was the removal of 16.2 ppm, around 80.83% from 20 ppm, and for pure TiO₂ it was the degradation of 4.7 ppm, around 94.52% from 5 ppm of propylparaben. These findings present a valuable alternative to a highly effective photocatalyst that can be magnetically removed from the treated solution and be reused in another treatment run.