Ag/TiO2 photocatalyst immobilized onto modified natural fibers for photodegradation of anthracene

This study reports the application of immobilized Ag/TiO2 onto coconut and sisal fibers to anthracene degradation via the UV-vis radiation. The fibers were previously treated with hot water and CTAB to clean their impurities surfaces. Immobilizations of Ag/TiO2 to the fibers were performed by anchorage of the catalysts via the post-synthesis method. The materials were characterized using AAS, TGA, XRD, UV-vis DRS, FTIR, STEM, EDS, and XPS analysis. FTIR and XPS results indicated the presence of hydroxyl groups and different silver species (Ago, Ag+, and Ag2+) on the catalyst surface. Immobilized Ag/TiO2 exhibited higher activity as compared to suspended Ag/TiO2 and TiO2. Ag/TiO2 immobilized on fibers treated with CTAB promoted the full anthracene photodegradation within 2 h at 40 degrees C. The results demonstrated that sisal and coconut fibers could be used as a support for Ag/TiO2. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.