Fotocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by floating TiO2-coconut fiber

Abstract

Indonesia's expanding industrial sector has resulted in an increase in the use of dyes. Methylene blue (MB), a dye used in the batik and textile industries, has the potential to be detrimental to people and the environment. Recent research indicates that the TiO₂ photocatalyst has the ability to reduce MB. TiO₂ transported in coconut fiber can improve illumination in the photocatalysis process. The purpose of this study is to examine the properties and activity of a TiO₂-coconut fiber photocatalyst. SEM-EDX was used to characterize the morphology and composition of floating catalysts, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) was used to characterize the functional groups. At 120 minutes, TiO₂-coconut fiber photocatalysis with a mass ratio of 20:80 w/w demonstrated the maximum degradation of 62.72%. The SEM-EDX data demonstrate the morphology of TiO₂ distribution on the surface of coconut fiber, which is distinguished by the presence of the main elements O, Ti, and C. The FT-IR study results demonstrate a shift and decrease in Ti-O absorption intensity from 756,09 cm1 to 721,38 cm1, indicating the presence of Ti-O-C bonds. It is hoped that this research will be useful in the treatment of MB in textile industry waste or other organic waste.