Photocatalytic Removal of Styrene from Air Using Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Stabilized on Modified Natural Zeolite and Gamma Radiation

The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of styrene removal with using of Iranian natural zeolite and modified natural zeolite by coating TiO2 nanoparticles as a catalyst.
Natural zeolite with a diameter of 1 to 2 mm was used. Natural zeolite was modified with 1 normal chloridric acid. The surface and volume of the pores of the bed were determined by the BET method. Surface structure was determined by electron microscopy. Continuous air flow and styrene with a concentration of 100 to 450 ppm was passed from a zeolite bed coated with titanium dioxide photocatalytic by gamma radiation and removed styrene vapors. The setting temperature was about 25 °c and relative humidity was 33%.
The results of measuring the level of zeolite with BET showed an increase in zeolite levels. SEM images show that titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been stabilized on zeolite. The surface analysis with XRF and XRD determined that the structure of zeolite after fixation by chloride acid is still fixed and 1.5% titanium dioxide is increased in zeolite crystals. The highest removal efficiency (95%) was related to modified zeolite by passing styrene at a concentration of 100 to 450 ppm from both natural and modified zeolite bed.
Increasing levels can increase the removal of styrene and gamma rays can activate photocatalyst. Acid-modified zeolite and TIO2 coating can increase the amount of styrene removal.