Microwave-Assisted Photocatalytic Degradation of Trichloroethylene Using Titanium Dioxide

Abstract

Microwave (MW) energy was used to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) using titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as the catalyst. The reaction rate constant was determined using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation kinetic model. Additionally, the influence of the microwave energy level and application method, and TiO 2 dosage on TCE removal were studied. Higher microwave energy level and higher photocatalyst concentration lead to better TCE removal. However, when the TiO₂ dosage exceeds 4 mg/mL, the TCE removal efficiency is not obviously enhanced, demonstrating that the TCE removal is caused more by photocatalyses than microwave heat. Hence, major photo-oxidative reactions induced by microwave radiation to reduce TCE at the TiO₂ particle surface are mostly nonthermal.