Diatomite with TiO2 nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

Water pollution caused by industrial dyes, such as methylene blue (MB), poses a significant environmental challenge due to its high toxicity and persistence. This study reports the photodegradation of methylene blue using diatomite loaded with titanium dioxide (TiO${}_2$) nanoparticles. The samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photodegradation of methylene blue was measured using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The results indicate that the porous structure of diatomite, combined with the photocatalytic properties of the anatase and rutile phases, enhances the photodegradation process of Methylene blue, achieving an efficiency of 80% in 270 min under natural sunlight. These findings highlight the potential of the diatomite-TiO${}_2$ composite as a low-cost and effective solution for water purification and environmental remediation.