| dc.description.abstract | Background: Research Background: Among all existing VOCs, formaldehyde is one of the most common and well-known air pollutants due to its wide distribution in the air and its highly toxic nature. This material is used in various industries, such as textile and wood-based industries, as well as a preservative and disinfectant for human and veterinary drugs, biological samples, pesticides, and cosmetic products. In this study, the photocatalytic removal of formaldehyde is discussed with the help of Ag3PO4/TiO2 nano photocatalyst.
Method: The desired photocatalyst was synthesized in three different molar ratios, and the degradation efficiency of these three photocatalysts was investigated in visible light. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of the desired photocatalyst were investigated using XRD, BET, SEM, DRS, and FTIR analyses. The degradation efficiency of the desired photocatalyst was evaluated under visible light and UV radiation. In order to investigate the effect of operating factors on degradation efficiency, an experimental design using the RSM method was used. During 17 tests, the effect of operating factors on degradation efficiency was measured.
Results: The results of this study showed that the synthesis of Ag3PO4/TiO2 nanocomposite was successfully performed using the sol-gel method. Based on the results of microscopic analysis, the size of the synthesized particles was 73 nm. FTIR and XRD results confirm the formation of both Ag3PO4 and TiO2 phases. Also, the results of the BET analysis show that the specific surface area of the synthesized nanocomposite is 17 square meters/gram. The results of the DRS analysis show that the synthesized photocatalyst has good absorption in the visible light range. The results of tests investigating the effect of operating factors on degradation efficiency show that the synthesized photocatalyst has better degradation efficiency in low initial concentrations, low relative humidity, and high retention time.
Discussion and conclusion: Based on the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that the heterogeneous Ag3PO4/TiO2 nano photocatalyst with a molar ratio of 25 to 75 performed better in removing formaldehyde vapors. The results of this study can be used in pollutant control systems. | en_US |
