Photocatalytic decoloration of Coomassie Brilliant Blue with titanium oxide

Coomassie Brilliant Blue dye was subjected to UV radiation in the presence of titanium oxide. The change in the color of the dye was monitored spectrophotometrically. The apparent rate of decolorization was calculated from the observed data and was found to fit the first order equation. The added amounts of Zn2+ ions caused a decrease in dye decoloration. A plausible explanation involving the radical initiated reaction is forwarded. Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was also used to describe the photocatalytic kinetics of the dye. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.