Palygorskite-TiO2 nanocatalysts for photocatalytic degradation of tebuconazole in water

Palygorskite-TiO2 nanoparticles are frequently used as nanocatalysts. In the present study, two different nanocatalysts were developed based on the use of different palygorskite-TiO2 ratios: 40-60 and 10-90. The nanocomposites were investigated for the photocatalytic degradation of the common fungicide tebuconazole (TEB), under aquatic conditions. The samples were extensively characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and N-2 specific surface area (SSA) by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analytical techniques. The TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully dispersed on the mineral's surfaces and the photocatalytic activity reached 88.4% for the palygorskite-TiO2 ratio of 40:60, where the dispersion was better as proved by the total pore volume and BET parameters (0.49 cm(3)/g and 258 m(2)/g compared to 0.33 cm(3)/g and 220 m(2)/g of the 10:90 ratio). The photocatalytic efficiency of the proposed materials was significantly higher than Degussa P25 (33.2%), and that makes the palygorskite-TiO2 nanocomposites very promising for advanced application in fungicides' degradation in aquatic environments.

Automated summary

Two different nanocatalysts with palygorskite-TiO2 ratios of 40-60 and 10-90 were developed for the photocatalytic degradation of the fungicide tebuconazole under aquatic conditions. The nanocomposites were characterized and the results showed better dispersion and higher photocatalytic activity for the palygorskite-TiO2 ratio of 40:60. The photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposites was significantly higher than Degussa P25, indicating their promising potential for fungicides' degradation in aquatic environments.