The photocatalytic study of RR4 dye by using TiO₂/PVA suspension method

Abstract

The study of the effects of PVA in TiO₂ slurry method under the presence of oxygen and without oxygen towards the degradation of Reactive Red 4 (RR4) dye has been carried out. The suspension system was prepared by addition of selected amount of PVA in the TiO₂ solution. It was found that the percentage removal of dye increased linearly with the amount PVA added in TiO₂ solution. Moreover the photocatalytic activity of RR4 dye was enhanced in the presence of oxygen as oxygen is an essential element in the activity. It can produce superoxide radicals that will attack dye molecules and contribute higher reaction of photocatalyst. Furthermore, the existing of PVA in the TiO₂ had shown better morphology than structure of TiO₂ solution due to the effect of PVA as stabilizing agent in the TiO2 suspension. For physical characteristics, several analyses has been carried out such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) for indicated the presence of TiO₂ particles in polyvinyl alcohol and SEM images to show the morphology of the sample.