Monitoring the TiO2-photocatalyzed destruction of aqueous environmental contaminants at parts-per-trillion levels using membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS)

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2004;39(9):2307-17. doi: 10.1081/ese-200026269.

Abstract

Membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) was used to directly monitor the TiO2/UV-photocatalyzed destruction of acetophenone, toluene, and chloroform in H2O at ppm to pptr concentrations. The instrument response time was sufficiently rapid for these environmental contaminants (1-6min) that "real-time" monitoring of their degradation was possible. This method was used to follow the loss of toluene at pptr levels and the concomitant formation of one of its primary photo-oxidation intermediates, methylphenol. These results illustrate the potential use of MIMS as a sensitive on-line measurement technique for monitoring photocatalytic destruction of trace organic contaminants in water at environmentally relevant levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetophenones / analysis
  • Acetophenones / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Chloroform / analysis
  • Chloroform / chemistry*
  • Coloring Agents / analysis
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Photochemistry
  • Photosensitizing Agents / analysis
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Solvents / analysis
  • Solvents / chemistry*
  • Titanium / analysis
  • Toluene / analysis
  • Toluene / chemistry*
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis

Substances

  • Acetophenones
  • Coloring Agents
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Solvents
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • titanium dioxide
  • Toluene
  • Chloroform
  • Titanium
  • acetophenone