Discipline: Chemistry and Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: Pollution/Toxic Substances/Waste
Session: 2
Samantha Gibson - University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR
Co-Author(s): Dr. Hashim Ali, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR; Kotaiba Abugazleh, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
In this study, Fourier Transform Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy is being used to test the chemical adsorption behavior of contaminants catechol and hydroquinone in Titanium (IV) oxide (TiO2). Although studies have found ways to remove hydroquinone using electrocoagulation, removing it chemically would be more cost-effective. In doing this, we are searching for an efficient way to remove these contaminants from wastewater. Exposing the TiO2 to difference concentration of catechol and hydroquinone, it was found that hydroquinone follows a Langmuir adsorption isotherm, indicating a strong chemical binding to the surface, lending it ideal to be removed by TiO2 from waste water. Catechol n the other hand followed a Freundlich adsorption model, indication a weak physical attachment to the surface, making TiO2 not ideal for the removal of catechol from the surface. Other factors tested were changes in pH and preliminary data shows that pH does not influence the adsorption behavior of these contaminants on the surface of TiO2.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Anissa Buckner, Bucknera@uapb.edu
Role: Created the solutions of hydroquinone and catechol in different concentrations. ran test on solutions. created pH solutions for test. collected data.