Abstract:
A set of titania–silica mixed oxide materials were prepared by a cosolvent-induced gelation
method using ethanol and toluene as solvent and cosolvent, respectively. These materials were
extensively characterized by utilizing several characterization techniques and assessed for phenol
degradation under UV illumination. The degradation of phenol follows first-order kinetics, and
fragmented products formed during the phenol degradation were qualitatively identified by using
high performance liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) and atomic pressure chemical ionization mass
spectroscopic (APCI-MS) techniques. The complete mineralization of phenol was further evidenced
by the measurement of the total organic contents that remained in the solution after irradiation.
The pore diameter of the materials was found to be the key factor for phenol degradation, whereas
surface area and pore volume play a role among the mixed oxide materials. In addition, in the mixed
oxide system there was an inverse correlation obtained with the particle size of the materials and the
degradation efficiency. The smaller particle size of titania in the mixed oxide material was found to
be a requirement for an effective degradation of phenol.
