Publication: Performance evaluation and optimization of anatase/rutile tio2 heterojunction-polyvinyl alcohol-cork composite for methylene blue photodegradation
| datacite.subject.fos | oecd::Engineering and technology::Materials engineering | |
| dc.contributor.author | Ir. Sathu Pillay A/L, Govindasamy | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-11-26T01:59:31Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-11-26T01:59:31Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-09-01 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Methylene blue (MB) is a persistent dye pollutant, while titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalysis remains limited by charge recombination, weak visible-light response, and agglomeration. The use of natural supports such as cork in TiO₂ composites is underexplored, and most studies lack systematic optimization, restricting practical application. This study developed an anatase/rutile TiO₂–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–cork floating composite. TiO₂ powder was synthesized via sol–gel method. and was, immobilized on a PVA–cork matrix. Characterization was done using XRD, FESEM/EDS, zeta potential, PL, AFM, UV–Vis, and TOC techniques. The anatase/rutile TiO2 heterojunction structure enhanced charge separation and reduced agglomeration. Photocatalytic testing showed higher MB degradation for the heterojunction than for pure anatase or rutile. In the evaluation phase, the A2R1 composite was identified as the best performer and subsequently used in the optimization phase. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Box–Behnken Design (BBD) confirmed catalyst dosage, dye concentration, and cork composite number as significant factors. The best condition (5 ppm MB, 150 mg catalyst, 5 cork composites) achieved the highest efficiency with close agreement between model and experiment. The optimized composite was stable, recoverable, and reduced carbon leaching, offering a low-cost, bio-based solution for dye polluted wastewater. The study contributes by introducing cork as a sustainable support, validating anatase/rutile heterojunctions for visible-light activity, and demonstrating systematic optimization for scalable wastewater treatment. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://erepo.usm.my/handle/123456789/23160 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.title | Performance evaluation and optimization of anatase/rutile tio2 heterojunction-polyvinyl alcohol-cork composite for methylene blue photodegradation | |
| dc.type | Resource Types::text::thesis::master thesis | |
| dspace.entity.type | Publication | |
| oairecerif.author.affiliation | Universiti Sains Malaysia |