An introduction to photocatalysis through methylene blue photodegradation. (17th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Petit, Matthieu; Michez, Lisa; Raimundo, Jean-Manuel; Malinowski, Tuhiti; Dumas, Philippe
• Is Part Of: European journal of physics. Volume 37:Number 6(2016:Nov.)
• Publication Date: 2016-10-17
• Subjects: photocatalysis -- titanium dioxide -- Langmuir–Hinshelwood -- methylene blue -- redox reaction -- degradation -- dyes; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Europe -- Periodicals; 530
• DOI: 10.1088/0143-0807/37/6/065808
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-0807

Abstract

Abstract: We described a simple experimental set-up for lab work on the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by TiO2 nanoparticles. The photocatalysis process can be used for many applications. Treatments for diluted wastewater industries, air purifying in underground car parks, and preventing fouling on glass surfaces, are some of the potential applications of this phenomenon. The described experiment is easy to perform and the interpretation can be easily adapted to different levels of students, from high school students demonstrating their interest in sustainable development, to students obtaining a Masters in science departments who want to propose a full explanation for all phenomena of the photocatalytic process. Starting with a description of the experimental set-up, we analysed the photocatalyst nanoparticles and applied the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model to our experimental data. Finally we briefly discussed the respective energetic levels of the photocatalyst semiconductor and methylene blue.