Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles on titanium dioxide for the catalytic photodegradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

Abstract

The photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) using a Au/TiO2 catalyst and ultraviolet (UV) light energy source (9 mW/cm2) discussed. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized by controlled urea reduction and deposited on titanium dioxide (TiO2) by the deposition-precipitation method. The average size of the nanoparticles was 6-8 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization confirmed that TiO2 was present in the anatase phase, whereas the presence and particle size of gold were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of the degradation showed that the activity of TiO2 was improved when Au nanoparticles were present on the surface. The reactions were performed at atmospheric pressure and room temperature.