Photo Catalytic Activity of Chromium Doped Nano Titania for the Mineralization of Dichlorvos

Chromium doped (2, 4, 6 and 8 Molar ratio of M/Ti) nano Titania were synthesized through solgel technique followed by hydrothermal treatment using titanium (IV) isopropoxide as the precursor. The resulting nanocrystals were characterized by XRD, DRS-UV, ICP-AES, BET and TEM techniques. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized catalysts were tested for the mineralization of Dichlorvos in aqueous solution using air as an oxidant. The reaction products were collected at different intervals and analyzed with the help of HPLC and TOC analyzer. Chromium doped nanocrystalline titania shows better catalytic activity than both commercial and as synthesized pure titania. Among the various chromium doped titania 4 molar chromium doped titania is found to be the best for the mineralization of Dichlorvos. The catalytic activity will be correlated with physico-chemical properties and the results will be discussed in detail.