Optimisation of Methyl Orange Photodegradation Using TiO₂-Zeolite Photocatalyst and H₂O₂ in Acid Condition

This paper discusses an optimisation of methyl orange photodegradation using TiO₂-zeolite photocatalyst and H₂O₂ (with condition of pH 2, 10 ppm, UV light). A 15 mmol TiO2 in 1 gram activated zeolite was used. The influence of H₂O₂ concentration (4, 8, 12, 16%) and irradiation time (20, 30 40, 50, 60 minutes) was also investigated, as well as initial methyl orange concentration (10, 20, 30 ppm) toward reaction rate constant. As the H₂O₂ concentration increase, the photodegradation percentage is also increased until it reaches optimum condition (H₂O₂12% for 10 ppm MO solution). Identical effect also showed by the irradiation time in which an optimum point reached at 60 minutes (for 10 ppm MO solution) and 50 minutes (for 20 and 30 ppm MO solutions). Moreover, the higher initial MO concentration used, the lower reaction rate constant obtained. The highest rate constant was shown by MO solution of 10 ppm. The reuse of TiO₂-Zeolite photocatalyst remains effective and efficient in photodegradation of methyl orange in solution for up to 4 times.