Degradation of aqueous solutions of camphor by heterogeneous photocatalysis

J Hazard Mater. 2006 Feb 28;129(1-3):110-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.08.017. Epub 2005 Oct 10.

Abstract

In this study the photocatalytic degradation of aqueous solutions of camphor was investigated by using TiO2 and ZnO photocatalysts. In the presence of artificial UV-light the highly photosensitive camphor was almost totally degraded after reaction times of 60 min. However, under these conditions the mineralization degree was lower than 25%. In the presence of semiconductors the degradation was complete after a treatment time of about 30 min. Moreover, the mineralization was considerably greater, mainly with the use of TiO2 (> 80% at reaction time of 60 min). Heterogeneous photocatalytic processes applied in the presence of solar radiation show a promising degradation capability. TiO2-based processes afforded mineralization degrees of about 90% after a reaction time of 120 min, when the system was assisted by aeration.

MeSH terms

  • Camphor / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Photochemistry
  • Titanium
  • Ultraviolet Rays*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical*
  • Water Purification / methods*
  • Zinc Oxide

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • titanium dioxide
  • Camphor
  • Titanium
  • Zinc Oxide