Solar photocatalytic degradation of eight commercial dyes in TiO2 suspension

The photocatalytic degradation of eight commercial dyes with different structure and containing different substitute groups has been investigated using TiO2 as photocatalyst in aqueous solution under solar irradiation. Decolorization rate, TOC decrease and inorganic ion production of the dye solution were detected. The experimental results indicate that eight commercial dyes could be degradated efficiently at different levels. The comparison of chloride and sulfate ions production rate from the cleavage of substitute groups in different structure positions reveals the dye compounds degradation pattern and decomposition pathway.