Optimization Study of Rhodamine 6G Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Photocatalytic Oxidation

The investigation of the optimal values of the experimental operating parameters (initial dye concentration, dose of catalyst and pH value) in the photocatalytic degradation of dye Rhodamine 6G dye from aqueous solutions was performed by following a factorial matrix plan including 18 experiments, on a catalyst prepared by incipient wet impregnation of P-25 commercial titanium dioxide with 2% WO3. A second degree mathematical model was obtained, combining the mentioned process parameters. The results indicate an interesting, unexpected pH dependence of the decolorizing degree. An optimal photocatalyst dye dose was established to be 0.323 L-1.