The photocatalytic activity of hydrogenated TiO 2 was evaluated in the photooxidation of methyl orange (MO). The hydrogenation of TiO 2 was carried out by calcination of a mixture of TiO 2 P-25 and NaBH 4 , at 300 and 350°C for blue TiO 2 and black TiO 2 , respectively. An experimental design was made for the determination of the best reaction conditions for the oxidation of MO. The influence of catalyst dosage and pH on photocatalytic efficiency was optimized, and the degradation percentage of MO was the response factor. The photocatalytic reaction was performed using a Xenon lamp that simulates the solar light spectrum for the activation of the catalyst. It was determined that both blue and black TiO 2 show the greatest activity at pH = 2 and 0.8 g/L of catalyst. Additionally, the positive influence of hydrogen peroxide in the photocatalytic activity of both hydrogenated catalysts was determined. In parallel, COD and TOC were also studied.
• Practitioner points• The extent of titania reduction by hydrogenation is dependent on the reaction time with sodium borohydride. • The extent of titania reduction affects the photocatalytic activity in the oxidation of methyl orange. An excess of catalyst reduction inhibits the oxidation of the dye because of the increase of recombination points. • The best reaction conditions were determined by multivariate optimization as pH 2 and 0.8 g L -1 of hydrogenated catalyst. • The addition of hydrogen peroxide into the reaction system improves the oxidation yield attributed to their electron accepting capacity.• Key words black TiO 2 ; blue TiO 2 ; hydrogen peroxide; methyl orange; photocatalysis; visible light