Photocatalytic activity of synthetic ZnO/WO3 nanocomposites immobilized on a Y-zeolite in removal of gas-phase styrene

摘要

Purpose The widespread use of styrene along with its harmful effects on human health has led to many studies on how to controland reduce its vapors in the workplace. In this study, efficient removal of styrene molecules in the gas phase was attempted byusing Y-ZnO/WO3 hybrid photocatalysts.Methods ZnO/WO3 nanocomposites with different WO3 Wt were prepared and immobilized on Y-zeolite. The samples’characteristics were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), Brunauer-EmmetTeller(BET) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).Results The Y- ZnO/WO3 catalyst exhibits an improved photocatalytic activity as compared to Y-ZnO and Y-zeolite alone. Thishigher photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/WO3 supported on Y-zeolite can be attributed to a more efficient interaction of the ZnO/WO3 with the zeolite leading to higher adsorption capacities. Results reveal that the photocatalyst was highly photoactive inmineralizing styrene. The high activity can be attributed to the synergetic effects of strong UV, ZnO/WO3 nanocomposite andsurface hydroxyl groups. The photocatalytic degradation reaction of styrene with the Y-ZnO/WO3 follows LangmuirHinshelwoodkinetics.Conclusions The results of this study indicate that this photocatalyst is suitable for the removal of styrene under UV light. Thehighest removal efficiency achieved was with Y-ZnO/WO3 at 2.