Photocatalytic degradation of azo dye Acid Red 14 based on molecular recognition interaction

In this work, molecular recognition interaction of azo dye Acid Red 14 (AR 14) with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) was studied using IR spectroscopy, and the photocatalytic degradation behavior of AR 14 based on molecular recognition interaction was investigated in a TiO2/UV (lambda(max) = 365 nm) system. The results showed that the photodegradation efficiency and reaction rate constant of AR 14 after molecular recognition by beta-CD were higher than those before molecular recognition by beta-CD, and the mineralisation of AR 14 after molecular recognition by beta-CD can be also enhanced. The effect of beta-CD concentration, the pH value, amount of photocatalyst and the initial concentration of AR 14 on photodegradation of AR 14 were also studied. The enhancement of photodegradation of AR 14 is dependent on the enhanced adsorption of AR 14 onto the photocatalyst surface, moderate inclusion-depth of AR 14 in the beta-CD cavity and increase in the frontier electron density of AR 14 after molecular recounition.