Photocatalytic Performance of Zr-Modified TS-1 Zeolites: Structural, Textural and Kinetic Studies

TL;DR

This study shows that adding zirconium to TS-1 zeolites improves their ability to break down dyes under light, making them more efficient photocatalysts.

Contribution

The novel contribution is the systematic investigation of Zr-modified TS-1 zeolites and their enhanced photocatalytic performance due to synergistic effects between Ti and Zr.

Findings

Zr incorporation into TS-1 zeolites improved dye degradation efficiency, especially for TS-1/10Zr.

Photocatalytic degradation followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating chemisorption mechanisms.

Zr-modified samples showed good reusability and stability over multiple cycles.

Abstract

TS-1 zeolite and a series of Zr-modified samples (TS-1/xZr) were synthesized and systematically characterized to investigate the influence of zirconium incorporation on structural, textural, and photocatalytic properties. The structural and textural properties of the samples were examined by XRD and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Elemental analysis (EDXRF, SEM/EDS) and FTIR confirmed successful incorporation of Zr into the TS-1 framework. Photocatalytic tests under white light irradiation using crystal violet (CV), methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes revealed enhanced degradation efficiency for the Zr-containing samples, particularly TS-1/10Zr. Kinetic modeling using pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) approaches indicated that dye degradation followed mainly PSO kinetics. Reusability studies demonstrated sustained stability and recyclability of the catalysts. The improved photocatalytic performance is attributed to synergistic electronic effects between Ti and Zr species, which enhance charge separation and light absorption.

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