Synthesis and Characterization of Titania-Based Nanopowders for Photocatalytic Degradation of Pindolol

POSTER

Abstract

Beta-blockers pose a hazard to the environment and there is an ongoing search for the efficient method for their degradation. Under suitable preparation conditions, titania - based nanopowders show promise as photocatalysts for degradation of pindolol (selected $\beta $-blocker). To find the material properties suitable for rapid degradation of this $\beta $-blocker, we investigate how variation in the pH value of suspension during sol-gel synthesis affects structural, vibrational, and optical properties of titania-based nanopowders. Characterization has been carried out using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The structural measurements reveal anatase as a dominant titania (TiO$_{\mathrm{2}})$ phase in these samples. Our results show that synthesized titania-based nanopowders exhibit similar or higher efficiency in the photodegradation of pindolol under simulated solar irradiation when compared to commercial TiO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ Wackherr catalyst.

Authors

  • Nenad Stojilovic

    • University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

  • Maja Scepanovic

    • Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade

  • Mirjana Grujic-Brojcin

    • Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade

  • Aleksandar Golubovic

    • Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade

  • Sanja Armakovic

    • Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad

  • Biljana Abramovic

    • Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad

  • Tatjana Sreckovic

    • Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade

  • Rastko Vasilic

    • Faculty of Physics, University of Belgrade

  • Sasa V. Dordevic

    • The University of Akron

  • Zoran V. Popovic

    • Institute of Physics, University of Belgrade