Water (Jan 2024)

Biopolymer Gellan-Gum-Based TiO<sub>2</sub>: A Green Alternative Photocatalyst Approach for Removal of Pollutants

  • Marcelo Ribeiro Xisto,
  • Dihêgo Henrique L. Damacena,
  • Francisca Pereira de Araújo,
  • Durcilene Alves,
  • Luzia Maria Castro Honorio,
  • Ramon Peña-Garcia,
  • Luciano Almeida,
  • Joziel Alves de Oliveira,
  • Marcelo Barbosa Furtini,
  • Josy Anteveli Osajima,
  • Edson Cavalcanti da Silva-Filho

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/w16020315
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 2
p. 315

Abstract

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Titanium dioxide TiO2/gellan gum (GG) in different compositions (1, 3, and 5% GG) was investigated to degrade methylene blue (MB) under UV light. XRD, SEM, and EDS confirmed the anatase phase. The textural properties demonstrated the formation of mesopores. The band gaps were 3.2 eV, 3.0 eV, and 2.9 eV. A photodegradation of MB of 95% was observed using the lowest gum concentration. It was attributed to the photogenerated radicals and the specific surface area. The FTIR spectra showed the photostability of the catalyst after successive cycles. The toxicity tests demonstrated no toxicity after dye degradation. Therefore, TiO2/GG is promising for the treatment of water.

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