Photocatalytic decomposition of chlorophenols by functionalized MCM-41

Photocatalytic decomposition of chlorophenols in aqueous solutions requires considerable attention because these compounds are hazardous toxic pollutants in the aquatic environment. Metallophthalocyanines have been successfully anchored onto the surface of mesoporous and amorphous silica materials and have been used as catalyst in the liquid-phase oxidation of aromatic compounds. Anchorage of anion sulfo-cobalt phthalocyanine to the walls of MCM-41 was preformed by the aid of 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane (APTES). APTES was used as a functionalization material. The product was characterized by XRD, BET, DRS and FTIR methods. Our experimental data shows that the reaction rate of decomposition in the presence of the catalyst is by the order: 4-CP> 2, 4, 6-TCP > 2, 4-DCP. At the optimized reaction conditions nearly all of the 4-CP, 2, 4-DCP, and 2, 4, 6-TCP decomposed within 90,180 and 120 min, respectively.