TiO2 nanotubes impregnated with Au nanoparticles: Characterization and application in carbendazim and atrazine degradation

• Published in: Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. A, Chemistry. Vol. 438; p. 114567
• Main Authors: da Silva, Jessica R.Q., Almeida, Priscila F., Santos, Lucyan E.R., Brugnera, Michelle F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.04.2023
• Subjects: AOPs; Au nanoparticles; Pesticides; Photoelectrocatalysis; Titania; Photoelectrocatalysis; Au nanoparticles; Titania; Pesticides; AOPs
• ISSN: 1010-6030; 1873-2666
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2023.114567

TiO2 nanotubes electrodes were impregnated with Au nanoparticles (Ti/TiO2-Au) using different methodologies and applied in the carbendazim and atrazine degradation. [Display omitted] •Ti/TiO2-Au anode was prepared by anodization and Au photochemical impregnation.•Photoelectrocatalysis can promote 100 % of pesticides degradation within 60 min.•The byproducts of atrazine and carbendazim degradation were monitored by LC-MS/MS. TiO2 nanotube electrodes were impregnated with Au nanoparticles (Ti/TiO2-Au) using different procedures. The electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and photoactivity. The best results were obtained for the electrode prepared by photochemical reduction using a HAuCl4 0.06 mol L−1 (pH 7) solution. The electrode was applied in the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of pesticides (carbendazim and atrazine). Photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of 1 × 10−5 mol L−1 of carbendazim (CBZ) allowed 100 % degradation within 10 min, monitored by UV/Vis absorbance, using the best conditions 0.05 mol L−1 NaCl (pH 2) at +1.0 V vs Ag/AgCl under UV irradiation. The same conditions applied in the atrazine degradation led to 100 % chromophore removal after 60 min of treatment. The performance of the Ti/TiO2-Au anode was compared to that of Ti/TiO2-Ag and Ti/TiO2. The byproducts were monitored by MS/MS. These results indicate that the Ti/TiO2-Au anode prepared by anodization and Au photochemical reduction impregnation is an efficient photocatalyst (semiconductor) for pesticide degradation.