Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of cationic dyes using slurry of anatase titania in a falling film reactor

Abstract

This study investigated the use of anatase titania slurry in a falling film reactor to photocatalytically degrade methylene blue dye. The system's performance was evaluated by varying feed flow rate, initial pH, TiO2 dose, and initial dye concentration. Results showed that high dye removal rates (91 % photolysis, 98 % photocatalysis) were achieved after 150 minutes of irradiation. Increased feed flow rate, highly alkaline medium, and higher catalyst dose led to enhanced degradation rates. However, higher initial dye concentration resulted in slower reaction rates and lower degradation extents. The modified Freundlich model best fitted the kinetic data, suggesting the photocatalytic system's potential for organic contaminant degradation and wastewater treatment applications.

Keywords

• Anatase titania
• Cationic dyes
• Falling film
• Photocatalysis
• Kinetics
• Water treatment