Removal of phenanthrene in aqueous solution containing photon competitors by TiO2-C-Ag film supported on fiberglass

Surface interactions with pollutants and photons are key factors that affect the applications of TiO2 in environmental remediation. In this study, the solubilizing agents dimethylsulfoxide and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, which act as photon competitors, had no effect on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2-C-Ag film in phenanthrene (PHE) removal. Fiberglass with TiO2-C-Ag coating removed 91.1 +/- 5.2 and 99.7 +/- 0.4% of PHE in treatments using UVA (365-465nm) and UVC (254nm) irradiation, respectively. The use of fiberglass as a support increased the superficial area, thus allowing PHE sorption. C and Ag, which are electrically active impurities in TiO2, enhanced its photocatalytic activity and thus the attraction of the pollutant to its surface. The use of high-frequency UV light (UVC) decreased the amount of carbon species deposited on the TiO2CAg film surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the TiO2-C-Ag film revealed extensive oxidation of the carbon deposited on the film under UVC light and loss of electrons from Ag clusters by conversion of Ag-0 to Ag3+.