Photocatalytic Degradation of Triethyl phosphate Using Nano TiO2

Nanophotocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) have been successfully used to degrade pollutants during the past few years. Photocatalysts have some benefits such as non toxicity, high stability, high efficiency and low cost. In this study, photocatalytic decomposition of organophosphorus compound, triethyl phosphate (TEP), in water using nano-TiO2 powders as a catalyst has been investigated.Besides, adsorption of TEP on nano-TiO2 in different pH levels, comparison of micro-and nano-TiO2 efficiencies and effect of Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on TEP decomposition has been investigated.The results showed that at 30 mg/l triethyl phosphate dosage, 400 mg/l nanocatalyst, 90 watt power of radiation source, pH about 7 and 4 hours of exposure time, decomposition of over 99 percent is achieved.