Photocatalytic degradation of methyl blue by tourmaline-coated TiO2 nanoparticles

Complex photocatalysts were prepared by coating TiO2 nanoparticles with tourmaline and used in the photocatalytic degradation of simulated methyl blue wastewater. The photocatalytic activities and crystalline form were affected by the synthetic conditions, with the optimum catalyst preparation of using 1% in weight, of HCl treated tourmaline passed by the 3,000mesh sieve, and finally calcination at 450 degrees C for 5h. The addition of SO42- or lowering of solution pH decelerated photocatalytic degradation, while cations like Ca2+, Zn2+, and Mg2+ accelerated the reaction. Results of our study indicate that tourmaline due to its broadening utilization potential is a helpful carrier to enhance the effect of the TiO2 photocatalytic method in the processing of dye wastewater.