TiO2 Supported on HZSM-11 Zeolite as Efficient Catalyst for the Photodegradation of Chlorobenzoic Acids

The photocatalytic decomposition of 2-, 3- and 4-chlorobenzoic acids (2CB, 3CB and 4CB, respectively) with TiO2 loaded on HZSM-11 zeolite was investigated. The optimum decomposition rate of 2CB was obtained with TiO2/HZSM-11(30%) (TiO2 30 wt.%) catalyst at a concentration of 1 mg mL-1. 2CB and 3CB decompose at similar rates, but 4CB remains adsorbed on TiO2/HZSM-11(30%) without further degradation. This absorption is attributed to the relative positions of Cl and COOH groups on 4CB. However, this compound can be partially degraded and/or removed from aqueous solutions by TiO2/HZSM-11(50%) catalyst or HZSM-11 zeolite. TiO2/HZSM-11(30%) is stable; it retains its photocatalytic properties after nine cycles, can be easily removed and immediately reused. These are important advantages of TiO2/HZSM-11(30%) over unsupported TiO2, making it a good photocatalyst for the treatment of polluted water. On the other hand, HZSM-11 could be used to selectively adsorb 4CB, thus becoming an alternative method of environmental remediation.