Stucchi M, Galli F, Bianchi CL, Pirola C, Boffito DC, Biasioli F, Capucci V. Simultaneous photodegradation of VOC mixture by TiO
2 powders.
CHEMOSPHERE 2018;
193:198-206. [PMID:
29131978 DOI:
10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.003]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Volatile and semi volatile organic compounds' concentration have dramatically increased in indoor environments in recent years. UV light promotes titanium dioxide, which oxidises various molecules; however, most of the studies report the degradation of a single VOC. Here, we investigate the photo-oxidation of 17 molecules in mixture to have a realistic test of TiO2 efficacy. We compare P25, a nanometric catalyst, and 1077, a micrometric sample, that poses less health concerns. A proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer measured online the concentration of all the pollutants simultaneously. Aldehydes compete for the adsorption on both the catalyst's active sites and thus they degrade 70% and 55% with P25 and 1077 respectively. Considering the single pollutant oxidation, instead, aldehydes fully oxidize. Even though benzene is recalcitrant to degradation, P25 and 1077 reduced toluene's concentration to 97% and 96% in 55 min, respectively. Acetonitrile is refractory to photocatalysis.
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