Sequential sorption-photocatalytic method using polypyrrole@TiO2 nanocomposites for the removal of agrochemicals

Abstract

The sequential batch process for the degradation of selected agrochemicals 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and triclopyr acid (TCP) using the synergistic effect of a fabricated photocatalyst are performed. The photocatalysts have been fabricated by doping titanium dioxide with polypyrrole (PP-TiO2) and tested for its adsorption-photocatalysis property to remove the hazardous agrochemicals. Subsequent characterization tools are used to understand morphology and other features of the catalysts. Batch sorption-photocatalysis are performed to assess the performance of the fabricated photocatalysts against 2,4-D and TCP. The outcome of sequential experiments evaluated the equilibrium and kinetic profile that includes rate constants and efficiencies. The mechanism adopted by PP-TiO2 is found through interactions and electrostatic attractions that facilitated better removal of herbicides. The selected herbicides are effectively degraded by utilizing a newer design for a scale-up procedure that used a recirculating semi-batch reactor. The experimental versus predicted values of the reactions were evaluated and it was found in agreement among the values. The presented research would be first to discuss the induction of a semi-batch reactor for the fabrication of nanocomposites and degradation of agrochemicals using a sequential adsorption-photocatalytic technique.