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 photooxidation 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-transferreaction 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.

Stucchi, M.; Galli, F.; Bianchi, C.L.; Pirola, C.; Boffito, D.C.; Biasioli, F.; Cappucci, V. (2018). Simultaneous photodegradation of VOC mixture by TiO2 powders. CHEMOSPHERE, 193: 198-206. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.003 handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10449/44387

Simultaneous photodegradation of VOC mixture by TiO2 powders

Biasioli, F.;
2018-01-01

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 photooxidation 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-transferreaction 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.
Photocatalysis
PTR-MS
VOCs mix
Titanium dioxide
Micrometric
Indoor pollution
Settore CHIM/01 - CHIMICA ANALITICA
2018
Stucchi, M.; Galli, F.; Bianchi, C.L.; Pirola, C.; Boffito, D.C.; Biasioli, F.; Cappucci, V. (2018). Simultaneous photodegradation of VOC mixture by TiO2 powders. CHEMOSPHERE, 193: 198-206. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.003 handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10449/44387
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10449/44387
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