Hydrothermal preparation of novel Photocatalytic composite, TiO₂ deposited Calcium Alumino-Silicate beads and their Photocatalytic applications

Well crystallized anatase phase of Ti02 nanostructures were deposited onto calcium aluminosilicate bead (CASB) supports under mild hydrothermal conditions. Suitable hydrothermal conditions were (temperature-250°C, solvent-1M HCl and duration-24 h) applied for the effective deposition of highly active TiO₂ nanostructures onto CASB supports. The compositions, specific surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, low density and surface roughness of CASB supports promise as potential supports for deposition of active photocatalysts. As-prepared supported photocatalytic composites were characterized by powder XRD, SEM, FTIR, PALS and XRF. The analytical investigations of supported photocatalytic composite shows an effective deposition of active TiO₂ nanostructures onto CASB supports with strong adherence and desired morphology. Fine crystalline phase of deposited TiO₂, higher bulk porosity and low density of hydrothermally prepared photocatalytic composite enhances the photocatalyst values. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency was investigated by using aqueous solution of Alizarin dye as a model pollutant. The complete mineralization of dye contents was achieved by TiO₂ deposited CASB supported photocatalytic composite under room temperature using batch photoreactor. The effect of various experimental parameters like initial dye concentration, catalyst load, aeration, initial pH and irradiation time on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency was investigated. TiO₂ deposited CASB supported photocatalytic composite was found to be economic, easy to recover and reuse in the photocatalytic treatment.