Photocatalytic oxidation of methyl tert-butyl ether in presence of various phase compositions of TiO2

Abstract

MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) represents a rising threat to the environment, especially drinking water, and its effective removal (with all by-products) is necessary. Even a very low concentration of MTBE makes the water undrinkable; therefore, an effective treatment has to be developed. This work is focused on MTBE photocatalytic oxidation in presence of various TiO2 photocatalysts with different phase composition prepared by different methods. It was confirmed the phase composition of TiO2 had the most significant influence on the photocatalytic degradation of MTBE. The rutile phase more easily reduces adsorbed oxygen by photogenerated electrons to superoxide radical, supporting separation of charge carriers. The presence and concentrations of by-products have to be taken into account as well. The conversion of total organic carbon (TOC) was used for the comparison, 40% of TOC was removed after 1 h of irradiation in presence of TiO2-ISOP-C/800 photocatalyst composed of anatase and rutile phase.