Sonocatalytic degradation of methyl red by sonochemically synthesized TiO2-SiO2/chitosan nanocomposite

Abstract

TiO₂-SiO₂/chitosan nanocomposite was synthesized using simple sonochemical technique. The characteristics of the synthesized nanocomposite were examined by TEM, SEM and EDX analysis. The performance of the prepared TiO₂-SiO₂/chitosan nanocomposite as efficient sonocatalyst was investigated for the degradation of methyl red. Sonocatalytic degradation of methyl red in the presence of TiO₂-SiO₂/chitosan nanocomposite could be described <em>via</em> the mechanisms of hot spots and sonoluminescence. The optimized values for main operational parameters were detected as pH of 3, TiO₂-SiO₂/chitosan dosage of 450 mg/L, methyl red initial concentration of 20 mg/L and ultrasonic power of 300 W. Under optimal conditions, the sonocatalytic degradation of methyl red was 99.1 %. Based on the obtained results, TiO₂-SiO₂/chitosan nanocomposite could be an excellent selectivity for sonocatalytic degradation of anionic dyes such as methyl red.