Preparation of TiO_2/MCM-41 Photocatalyst using Rice Husk Ash as Silica Source

摘要

This work aimed to prepare TiO_2/MCM-41 from rice husk ash (RHA) agricultural waste and its application as photocatalyst in dye degradation. The preparation was conducted by two main steps; preparation of MCM-41 and titanium immobilization onto MCM-41. Sol gel method using CTMABr as templating agent was applied in MCM-41 synthesis and as TiO_2 precursor, titanium isopropoxide was utilized. The study of physicochemical character change was performed by by X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, BET method and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Photocatalytic activity of material was tested in methylene blue photodegradation system. According to the results, it is found that TiO_2/MCM-41 has been successfully prepared and shows photocatalytic activity. Kinetic study of the reaction is discussed in this paper.