Abstract:
The photocatalytic degradation of methylcyclohexane (MCH) in two phases (aqueous and
vapor) was examined using modified titania that was immobilized on pumice and performed in
the system of a specific condition. The photodegradation system that used a particular
configuration reactor and modified catalyst could facilitate the two-phase photodegradation of
MCH simultaneously. The photocatalyst was prepared by the mechanical mixing of urea and
TiO2 P25 with mass ratios of 1:3 and 2:3, respectively and then calcined at 350 and 450oC. This
modified photocatalyst was then immobilized on pumice and finally used for the
photodegradation of MCH. The Infrared spectra studies revealed that modified titania with urea
successfully incorporated a non-metal dopant within the TiO2 lattice. The catalyst that spread
evenly across the surface of the pumice can be seen from Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
characterization. The loading of 7.5% mass photocatalyst that immobilized on pumice degraded
MCH in two-phases simultaneously during a 120 minute period and can be considered the
optimum condition.
