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Abstract
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The removal of dyes from water sources is essential due to its harmful effects on
aquatic organisms and potential carcinogenic impact on human health.[1-3] Among the
different physical, chemical, and biological techniques for decolorization, Photocatalysis, as
an advanced oxidation process (AOP), is employed to eliminate organic pollutants through
oxidation.[4-5]
In this research, the photocatalytic method using H3PW12O40-TiO2 photocatalyst was utilized
to eliminate methylene blue dye from water. The polyoxometalate H3PW12O40 was
immobilized on the titanium dioxide (TiO2) substrate through the sol-gel technique. The
synthesized materials were characterized and examined using FT-IR and Scanning Electron
Microscope (SEM). The decolorization process was conducted at various durations, with
different amounts of photocatalyst, under visible, ultraviolet, and dark light conditions. The
optimal condition was determined to be 0.02 gr of photocatalyst exposed to UV light for 60
minutes, resulting in the removal of 98% of methylene blue dye as confirmed by UV-Vis
spectroscopy in the 400-800 nm range. The color removal process utilizing the synthesized
H3PW12O40-TiO2 photocatalyst is highly cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Furthermore, the catalyst was effectively recovered and reused up to five times.
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