Discipline: Chemistry and Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: Water
Session: 3
Room: Exhibit Hall A
Jessica Parr - Arkansas State University
Co-Author(s): MohdKotaiba Abugazleh, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR; Dr. Hashim Ali, 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 on 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): Arkansas State University
Faculty Advisor: Hashim Ali, hali@astate.edu
Role: I prepared the samples of catechol and hydroquinone with the titanium oxide, in order to test the different concentrations. I used the Thermo Nicolet 8700 FTIR spectrometer to analyze each concentration and observe the differences of the concentrations. From there compare the concentrations of the catechol and the hydroquinone.