Preparation and Characteristics of TiO2 Photocatalyst Loaded onto the Attapulgite Clay

In order to investigate the effects of photocatalysis technique to the wastewater of dye, a new carrier of catalyst- micron attapulgite clay was selected. The TiO₂/attapulgite clay photocatalyst was prepared by the sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction indicates that its diffracted peak of surface is same as the characteristic peak of TiO₂. SEM pictures showed the form of sample is amorphous, and the diameter of the particle is between 1 and 5 mum. The photo catalytic activity of TiO₂/attapulgite clay was studied in a device with ultraviolet lamp as light source and methylene blue as the substrate. With other conditions unchanged, the less the pH value, the lower the concentration of methylene blue, the higher decolorizing rate of the substrate. During the limited range the amount of catalyst has a great effect on the discoloration while the temperature and aeration volume slightly affect it. Within 30 minutes, the decolorizing rate of methylene blue reaches over 90%, this is one fold higher than the result just with single TiO₂.