Application of a Keggin-type heteropoly acid on supporting nanoparticles in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous solutions

Phosphotungstic acid nanophotocatalysts supported by TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized, and the surface morphology, phase analysis and crystal structure, surface structure of nanophotocatalysts were assessed. Accordingly, aniline was selected as an organic pollutant to study photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanophotocatalysts. Based on the results, the degradation efficiency was above 70% for both nanophotocatalysts in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, the results of photocatalytic degradation of aniline using synthesized nanophotocatalysts were well fitted to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. The hydroxyl radicals and holes were regarded as the most oxidant species in degrading aniline using synthesized nanophotocatalysts. Finally, the results indicated that synthesized nanophotocatalysts could be considered appropriate photocatalysts in removing organic pollutant from aqueous solutions.