Elimination of toluene by Application of ultraviolet irradiation on TiO2 nano particles photocatalyst

Introduction. Toluene (C6H5CH3) is a noncorrosive, volatile liquid solvent with an aromatic odor. Toluene use to producing materials such as T.N.T in military industries and also has a big number of chemical factories use it as a solvent, carrier, or thinner in the paint, rubber, printing, cosmetic, adhesives and resin industries, as a starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals and as a constituent of fuels. The high amount of its exposure in various related jobs has caused so significant harmful health effect on people that plenty of investigations have so far been done to control and reduce its vapour production in the workplaces. Material and Methods. In order to remove toluene from air, it is suggested in this investigation to use a complex system of nano-particles of titanium dioxide on exposing them by ultraviolet radiation. To verify the performance of the nano-particle, it was intended to survey the measuring of degradation of toluene in various conditions. In this study we use a glass tube coated by TiO2 as a bed photocatalist and toluene vapour carried throw it. The amount of toluene concentration recorded before and after photocalytic process. Results. Passing of various concentration of toluene vapors from 150,250,350 and 450 ppm from photocatalyst surface was removed completely. Also this study showed that the irradiation of UV-A in 365nm wavelength created the most photocatalitic property. The results showed that TiO2 nano particles coated on glass tube has high efficiency to decompose gaseous toluene from various concentrations to threshold limit value. Discussion. Using the UV-A in TiO2/UV photocatalyst can reduce toluene vapors from air. For more experience we purpose to continue these experiences on other volatile organic compounds and especially on sculpture mustard.