In situ generation of hydroxyl radicals by B-doped TiO2 for efficient photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen in wastewater

Acetaminophen (AP) is a widely used antipyretic analgesic belonging to the class of PPCPs, which is difficult to be effectively degraded by traditional water treatment processes. However, photocatalytic technology may be an effective approach. Herein, B-doped TiO2 photocatalytic materials were synthesized by sol-gel method, calcinated at 600celcius for 2 h, investigated by XRD, TEM, XPS, and other characterization methods. The photocatalytic efficiency and factors affecting the photocatalytic activity were assessed by degradation of AP under 365 nm UV light. Compared with undoped TiO2, 4%B-TiO2 nanopowder has smaller grain size, higher porosity, and lower bandgap energy of 3.11 eV. Scavenging experiments and ESR results show that center dot OH is the principal active species. Hence, the degradation efficiency of AP is as high as 98.8% in 30 min when adopting 10-mg/L AP initial concentration and 1-g/L 4%B-TiO2 loading, owing to efficient center dot OH generated by B-TiO2.

Automated summary

In this study, B-doped TiO2 photocatalytic materials were synthesized by sol-gel method and characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS, and other methods. The results showed that 4%B-TiO2 nanopowder had smaller grain size, higher porosity, and lower bandgap energy compared to undoped TiO2. Scavenging experiments and ESR results revealed that ·OH was the main active species. Therefore, under 365 nm UV light, the degradation efficiency of AP reached 98.8% in 30 minutes when using 10 mg/L initial concentration of AP and 1 g/L loading of 4%B-TiO2, due to the efficient generation of ·OH by B-TiO2.