PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF PHENOL IN AQUEOUS POLYCRYSTALLINE TIO2 DISPERSIONS - THE INFLUENCE OF FE3+, FE2+ AND AG+ ON THE REACTION-RATE

The influence of Fe3+, Fe2+ and Ag+ on phenol photodegradation performed in aqueous polycrystalline TiO2 (anatase) and TiO2 (rutile) dispersions was investigated. These ions can react very easily with peroxo species produced on the catalyst surface and/or in the solution. Experimental conditions for the continuous photoproduction of Fenton reactive can be achieved in this way. Maximum photoactivity was observed for TiO2 (anatase) in the presence of oxygen and [Fe3+] = 5 x 10(-4) M. The behavior of Fe2+ was similar to Fe3+ for the same experimental conditions. Anatase photoactivity was beneficially influenced in the presence of oxygen and [Ag+] = 1 x 10(-4) M.