Simultaneous photodegradation of VOC mixture by TiO2 powders.

ABSTRACT

Volatile and semi volatile organic compounds' concentration have dramatically increased in indoor environments in recent years. UV light promotes titanium dioxide, which oxidises various molecules; however, most of the studies report the degradation of a single VOC. Here, we investigate the photo-oxidation of 17 molecules in mixture to have a realistic test of TiO2 efficacy. We compare P25, a nanometric catalyst, and 1077, a micrometric sample, that poses less health concerns. A proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer measured online the concentration of all the pollutants simultaneously. Aldehydes compete for the adsorption on both the catalyst's active sites and thus they degrade 70% and 55% with P25 and 1077 respectively. Considering the single pollutant oxidation, instead, aldehydes fully oxidize. Even though benzene is recalcitrant to degradation, P25 and 1077 reduced toluene's concentration to 97% and 96% in 55 min, respectively. Acetonitrile is refractory to photocatalysis.