Synthesis and characterization of the composite of TiO2/Zeolite by sol-gel method and evaluation of its photocatalytic activity in the degradation of azo dyes from aqueous solutions

In this research, the composite of TiO2/Zeolite as a cheap and effective photocatalyst was prepared for the removal of methyl orange dye in water solution. At first, TiO2 solution was successfully synthesized and then combined with appropriate amount of Clinopatilolite zeolite. The prepared samples were calcined at different temperatures. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The effect of the calcination temperatures and the amount of zeolite in composite of the as-synthesized photocatalysts on crystal structure, morphology and photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye solution were studied. The results of the experiments showed that combining of zeolite with TiO2 induced the enhancement of photocatalytic activity and optimal zeolite content was obtained about 0.1 g (0.33 wt.% ). Also calcination temperature has a great influence on the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples. The optimal calcination temperature was obtained 300⁰C. The composite of TiO2/Zeolite powders obtained from the optimum condition showed uniform spherical shape, anatase crystalline structure and few agglomerates. The methyl orange was removed more than 96% within 60 min of the process with optimum calcinations temperature and zeolite content.