Photocatalytic oxidation of perchloroethylene by TiO₂ coated on glass-bead

Chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as perchloroethylene (PCE), are widely used as industrial solvents in the dry cleaning, degreasing of metals, and plastics industries. As a result, these compounds are widely introduced into the air and water and contaminate them. Due to the toxicity and high volatility of these compounds and because they are suspected of being carcinogenic to humans and are extremely stable in the environment, their removal from water or air seems essential.

Photocatalytic oxidation is a special form of advanced oxidation, often used as a semiconductor solid, such as TiO₂ and ultraviolet (UV) to activate it. Basically, the reactions that are catalyzed by TiO₂ are also performed with other semiconductor photocatalytic agents. However, some of these photocatalytic agents are self-indulging and inactivated, are readily available or are susceptible to conventional organic and inorganic solvents. But the use of TiO₂ has been very interesting due to its unique properties.

In this study, the photocatalytic removal of perchloroethylene was investigated by a filled glass-bead reactor. Also, the effect of relative humidity, residence time, concentration and ultraviolet light on the photocatalytic removal process was investigated.

In this study, the photocatalytic effect of ultraviolet light and photocatalyst TiO₂ was compared, with reaction conditions, 1 min, 3000 ppm concentration and relative humidity of 30%, and the photocatalyst TiO₂ had a higher removal capacity than ultraviolet light.