Room Temperature Oxidation of Formaldehyde Using TiO2/Recycled Diatomite Composite

Exploration of value-added materials derived from various wastes has attracted considerable interest. Waste diatomite (WD) has displayed a tendency of variable increase as one of the industrial solid wastes. In this investigation, a novel TiO2/recycled diatomite (TiO2/RD) composite was developed as an environment remediation material. The microstructure of the as-synthesized sample was characterized using TG-TDA, XRD, FESEM, FT-IR and N-2 adsorption-desorption measurements. WD samples modified by acid leaching, alkaline treating and sintering were helpful to enhanced the regeneration of the porous functional structure. The RD-5.0wt.%TiO2 composites' photocatalytic efficiency for room temperature oxidation of formaldehyde reached 95.59%, which was much higher than that of pure TiO2. The synergistic effect of absorption and degradation played an important role in the oxidation of HCHO. The encouraging results provide an alternative approach for the development of waste diatomite to improve indoor air quality in the near future.

Automated summary

The exploration of value-added materials derived from various wastes, such as waste diatomite, has attracted considerable attention. In this study, a TiO2/recycled diatomite composite was developed as an environment remediation material. The modified waste diatomite samples showed improved regeneration of the porous functional structure. The TiO2/RD composite exhibited higher photocatalytic efficiency for formaldehyde oxidation compared to pure TiO2.