Synthesis, Characterization, and Efficiency Testing of Ag3 PO4 / TiO2 Heterogeneous Nano-Photocatalyst in Removing Gaseous Formaldehyde as an Occupational Carcinogen

Abstract

Introduction: Rapid population growth and industrialization have increased chemical pollutants. Some studies show that employee exposure to formaldehyde in industrial places, hospitals, and laboratory settings is more than the allowed limits. Therefore, it is necessary to implement a proper control system to reduce this exposure. This study aimed to synthesize Ag<inf>3</inf> PO<inf>4</inf> /TiO<inf>2</inf> nanocomposite, determine its morphological and structural characteristics, and test the degradation efficiency of this photocatalyst on formaldehyde. Material and Methods: Ag<inf>3</inf> PO<inf>4</inf> /TiO<inf>2</inf> composites were synthesized via an in-situ precipitation method. The physicochemical, morphological, and optical properties of the synthesized sample were investigated by employing the BET method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalyst degradation efficiency test was performed on gaseous formaldehyde in a 3.2-liter photoreactor under visible light radiation. Results: The UV–Vis absorption spectrum of the Ag<inf>3</inf> PO<inf>4</inf> /TiO<inf>2</inf> sample noticeably shifted to the visible light region compared to that of the TiO2. The bandgap energy of the nanocomposite was 2.3 eV. The SEM image demonstrated that the average particle size of the nanocomposite was about 102 nm. The result of the degradation efficiency tests revealed that 63% of the formaldehyde was removed under visible light irradiation after 90 minutes by the Ag<inf>3</inf> PO<inf>4</inf> /TiO<inf>2</inf> photocatalyst. Conclusion: The adopted synthesis method adopted was highly efficient and appropriate for the synthesis of Ag<inf>3</inf> PO<inf>4</inf> /TiO<inf>2</inf> nanocomposite according to the analyses. The Ag<inf>3</inf> PO<inf>4</inf> /TiO<inf>2</inf> photocatalyst performed well under visible light radiation and could be used in pollution control systems. © 2022 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.