Conventional treatment processes and existing photocatalysts have proven insufficient in efficiently removing aldrin and dieldrin. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the removal of aldrin and dieldrin from surface water using a titanium dioxide/graphene oxide/copper ferrite (TiO₂/GO/CuFe₂O₄) nanocomposite.
RESULTS
The highest photodegradation efficiencies for aldrin (100%) and dieldrin (99%) were achieved with a TiO₂/GO/CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite dosage of 1.3 mg L−1, at a sunlight intensity of 9 W m−2 and an optimal photodegradation time of 25 min. The maximum UV absorption wavelength of the TiO₂/GO/CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite was observed at 365 nm. The quantum yield of the nanocomposite was recorded as 2.69 × 102 mol einstein−1, and its bandgap energy was determined to be 3.31 eV. The first-order kinetic rate constants for aldrin and dieldrin were calculated as 0.05 and 0.047 min−1, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystal structure of CuFe₂O₄/TiO₂, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy detected carboxylic, epoxy, carbonyl and other oxygenated groups within the TiO₂/GO/CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images revealed that CuFe₂O₄ was situated on the outer layer of GO. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis identified the elemental composition of the TiO₂/GO/CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite as comprising GO, C, Cu, Fe, Ti and O. A reusability study demonstrated that the nanocomposite maintained excellent performance, achieving 99% removal efficiency after 79 cycles and 97% after 100 cycles.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology(JCTB) is an international, inter-disciplinary peer-reviewed journal concerned with the application of scientific discoveries and advancements in chemical and biological technology that aim towards economically and environmentally sustainable industrial processes.