Evaluación de la actividad foto catalítica de arcillas de la Provincia de Loja, adaptadas morfológicamente e impregnadas con Óxido de Titanio.

Abstract

Abstract:The purpose of this qualification work is to explore the photocatalytic potential of natural clays of the Province of Loja, morphologically adapted and impregnated with titanium oxide, in the discoloration of aqueous solutions of methylene blue. Two clays of natural smectites, denominated P1M1 and P1M2, were used as starting materials. For each clay the required clay / water ratio was determined, in order to obtain moldable pastes used in the formation of cylindrical extrudates. The calcination of the extrudates at 550 ° C provides good stability in aqueous medium. Through analysis in the ChemiSorb equipment, a moderate specific area of the clays was shown. The experiments carried out in the photoreactor determined that the clays evaluated, mixed with TiO2, significantly remove the dye A.M. of diluted aqueous solutions, presenting a maximum removal percentage of 99.89%. The characterization of the clays was carried out by means of two techniques, by FRX, to determinate the chemical composition of the clays; and by X-ray diffraction, for diffraction lines identification of the major components present in the clays.