Production and application of photocatalysts for detoxification of contaminated water

The main objective of this study is to produce potassium lanthanium titanates (KLTO) photocatalysts on silicon substrates via sol-gel method by spin coating to photooxidize of cyanide and methylene-blue compounds in the water. Acute Toxicity test with Daphnia magna were performed to evaluate toxicity of methylene-blue (MB) and cyanide. Different thermal analysis - Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses were carried out to see phase identification and surface morphology of the KLTO, respectively. Photocatalytic degredation tests were investigated in a Suntest CPS solar simulator. The measurement of an absorbance values were carried out with the help of Schmadzu UV-mini 1240 spectrometer. Batch- reactor was designed and produced for application and testing of thin films. KLTO thin films were successfully coated on silicon substrates. Photocatalytic degredation tests, SUVA toxicity tests and Acute toxicity tests were investigated. It was found that KLTO thin films exhibited less toxic effect on Daphnia magna acute toxicity test of methylene blue azo-dye and cyanide. Photocatalytic degradation tests were more successful with KLTO thin films. With the prototype reactor, KLTO thin films were collected in a designed reactor and achieved maximum efficiency.