Utilization of e-waste as a silica source for the synthesis of the catalyst support MCM-48 and highly enhanced photocatalytic activity of supported titania nanoparticles

An extensive range of studies has investigated the silica-supported TiO2 catalyst. However, research on cubic-type MCM-48 photocatalyst materials is limited. E-waste represents one of the fastest-growing sources of industrial waste worldwide. The present study reports, for the first time, direct synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles loaded on MCM-48 deriving from e-waste. Alkali-extracted electronic packaging resin ash provided a source of sodium silicate precursors. Titanium salts were introduced into the pores of MCM-48 and subsequently decomposed to TiO2 nanoparticles. Methylene blue was used to evaluate the photoactivity of the hybrid catalyst at varying amounts of TiO2 loading, catalyst masses, and heat-treatment temperatures. Results indicated that TiO2/MCM-48 demonstrates a combined effect, including the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 along with the high adsorptive efficiency of MCM-48. Different ratios of titanium metal deposited on silica surfaces had significant influences on the porosity and adsorption properties of the MCM-48 support, as well as the dispersion, particle size, and catalytic activity of the TiO2 catalyst. Good dispersion of TiO2 on the MCM-48 support played a significant role in obtaining high photocatalytic activity. Synthesis of mesoporous photocatalysts from e-waste using a green approach can reduce the disposal problem and produce viable materials for a wide range of applications. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.