Photocatalytic degradation of sulfur black dye over Ce-TiO2 under UV irradiation: removal efficiency and identification of degraded species

TiO2 and Ce-TiO2 photocatalysts have been synthesized via sol-gel method and characterized by various techniques. Cerium incorporation maintains anatase phase formation, reduces the band gap energy, and inhibits the electron-hole recombination leading to a better photocatalytic response. Photocatalytic activities are explored on the degradation of sulfur black dye under UV light in the presence of H2O2. Photocatalytic reaction parameters have been assessed. Indeed, sulfur black dye color removal reached 92% at the optimal conditions in presence of 1% Ce-TiO2 catalyst. Identification of degradation products of sulfur black dye was achieved by LC/MS.