In-situ generation of hydroxyl radicals by B-doped TiO2 for efficient photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen in wastewater

Abstract

Acetaminophen (AP) is a widely used antipyretic analgesic belonging to the class of PPCPs, which is difficult to be effectively degraded by traditional water treatment processes. However, photocatalytic technology may be an effective approach. Herein, B-doped TiO2 photocatalytic materials were synthesized by sol-gel method, calcinated at 600℃ for 2 h, investigated by XRD, TEM, XPS and other characterization methods. The photocatalytic efficiency and factors affecting the photocatalytic activity were assessed by degradation of AP under 365 nm UV light. Compared with naked TiO2, 4%B-TiO2 nanopowder had smaller grain size, higher porosity and lower bandgap energy of 3.11 eV. Scavenging experiments and ESR results showed that •OH was the principal active species. Hence, the degradation efficiency of AP was as high as 98.8% in 30 min when adopting 10 mg/L AP initial concentration and 1 g/L 4%B-TiO2 loading, owing to efficient •OH generated by B-TiO2.