« Previous AbstractSimultaneous removal of ammonia and volatile organic compounds from composting of dead pigs and manure using pilot-scale biofilter    Next AbstractTransformation of Compatible Mating-Type Genes in Monokaryons Triggers Fruiting Body Development by Activating Mating Pathways in Pleurotus eryngii »

Environ Sci Technol

Title:		Photocatalytic degradation of polystyrene plastic under fluorescent light
Author(s):		Shang J; Chai M; Zhu Y;
Address:		"Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of C1 Chemical Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China"
Journal Title:		Environ Sci Technol
Year:		2003
Volume:		37
Issue:		19
Page Number:		4494 - 4499
DOI:		10.1021/es0209464
ISSN/ISBN:		0013-936X (Print) 0013-936X (Linking)
Abstract:		"Plastic is used widely all over the world, due to the fact that it is low cost, is easily processable, and has lightweight properties. However, the hazard of discarding waste plastic, so-called 'white pollution', is becoming more and more severe. In this paper, solid-phase photocatalytic degradation of polystyrene (PS) plastic, one of the most common commercial plastics, over copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) sensitized TiO2 photocatalyst (TiO2/CuPc) has been investigated under fluorescent light irradiation in the air. UV-vis spectra show that TiO2/CuPc extends its photoresponse range to visible light, contrasting to only UV light absorption of pure TiO2. The PS photodegradation experiments exhibit that higher PS weight loss rate, lower PS average molecular weight, less amount of volatile organic compounds, and more CO2 can be obtained in the system of PS-(TiO2/CuPc), in comparison with the PS-TiO2 system. Therefore, PS photodegradation over TiO2 CuPc composite is more complete and efficient than over pure TiO2, suggesting the potential application of dye-sensitized TiO2 catalyst in the thorough photodegradation of PS plastic under fluorescent light. During the photodegradation of PS plastic, the reactive oxygen species generated on TiO2 or TiO2/CuPc particle surfaces play important roles in chain scission. The present study demonstrates that the combination of polymer plastic with dye-sensitized TiO2 catalyst in the form of thin film is a practical and useful way to photodegrade plastic contaminants in the sunlight"
Keywords:		Catalysis Coloring Agents/chemistry Environmental Pollution/*prevention & control Indoles/chemistry Light Organometallic Compounds/chemistry Photochemistry Polystyrenes/*chemistry Titanium/chemistry;
Notes:		"MedlineShang, Jing Chai, Ming Zhu, Yongfa eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2003/10/24 Environ Sci Technol. 2003 Oct 1; 37(19):4494-9. doi: 10.1021/es0209464"