Photodegradation Diuron herbicide with TiO2-Al2O3 catalysts supported on graphene nanoplatelets

Abstract

Objective: To photodegrade Diuron with TiO₂-Al₂O₃ nanomaterials supported on graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs)

Design/methodology/approach: The synthesis of the materials was carried out by the sol-gel method under mild conditions. Subsequently, the obtained materials were subjected to thermal processing for structural stabilization and pulverized. Synthesized nanomaterials were then characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Uv-Vis spectroscopy.

Results: The adsorption/desorption results indicated that the ternary TiO₂-Al₂O₃/GnPs nanomaterials were found to have complex porosity, which suggested that TiO₂-Al₂O₃ was formed on agglomerated GnPs. X-ray diffraction data revealed that the anatase phase of TiO₂ and the g-Al₂O₃ phase coexist with the crystalline phase of graphene. The morphology of the materials indicates that the nanoplatelets were randomly dispersed in a continuous mixed oxide phase. About the UV analysis, the presence of GnPs at 1 wt % concentration reduces the band gap by 6%.

Limitations on study/implications: The physical and chemical properties of GnPs make the material an excellent candidate for the degradation of pollutants by photocatalysis.

Findings/conclusions: The addition of GnPs improved the Diuron degradation, probably by forming a nanostructured interface or heterojunction.