Undergraduate Theses
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14583/13
Browse
2 results
Search Results
Item Photodegradation of methylene blue in aqueous media using TIO2 -based heterogeneous photocatalysts under natural lightBernido, Julidyn P. (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2015-06)This study developed two heterogeneous TiO2-based photocatalysts: pure TiO2 and Fe-doped TiO2 (Fe-TiO2). Heterogeneous catalysts were prepared by coating TiO2 and Fe-TiO2 powder on glass beads. The photocatalytic activity of both heterogeneous photocatalysts were studied by photodegradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under two pH conditions (6 and 9) and two ionic concentration conditions (0 and 38 ppt). The Fe-TiO2 powder contained minimal amount (2.245%) of Fe as expected. However, surface functionality and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) profile of both TiO2 and Fe-TiO2 powder were very similar indicating that doping did not alter these properties. Between the two heterogeneous catalysts prepared, the amount of Fe-TiO2 catalyst coated on glass beads was lower compared to pure TiO2. The removal of methylene blue was significantly affected by ionic concentration which removal is higher at lower ionic concentration (0 ppt). Although it appeared that the removal of methylene blue was higher at pH 9, statistical analyses revealed that the effect was not significant. In addition, the removal of methylene blue by the two catalysts were significantly different. Heterogeneous photocatalyst based on pure TiO2 showed higher removal of methylene blue in all pH and ionic concentration. Moreover, no interactive effects between variables were observed. Lastly, the blank showed no significant difference on the removal of methylene blue with the heterogeneous photocatalysts which suggest that degradation by direct photolysis from sunlight could be the reason for this result.Item Partial purification of pH indicator extracted from Rhoeo spathaceaApa, Junna T. (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2009-04)pH test papers are still utilized nowadays despite the prevalence of pH meters, because it is more convenient to use in measuring the pH of a certain substance. The use of natural dye as a pH indicator can serve as a good substitute for an expensive commercial dye that most high schools cannot afford. The pH test papers were prepared by impregnation of 0.03% pure dye extracted from Rhoeo spathacea. TLC was performed to partially remove other plant dye components from the pH active ingredient. The color transition chart was then created at pH ranging from 1.0-13.0 at one unit interval using phosphate buffer. The color transition chart of pure dye extract was compared to the color transition chart of crude dye extract at different pH. Paper impregnated with 0.03% partially purified indicator dye extracted from Rhoeo spathacea showed color transitions from pink to red violet at pH 1.0-3.0; red violet to lavender at pH 3.0-4.0; lavender to blue at pH 4.0-7.0; blue to blue green at pH 7.0-8.0; blue green to green at pH 8.0-11.0; green to yellow green at pH 11.0-12.0; and yellow green to yellow at pH 12.0-13.0. Results also showed that the purified dye extract is a better pH indicator in comparison with the crude dye extract. Spectrophotometric determination of pKa of the indicator was unsuccessful due to the strong overlapping of the UV-Vis spectrum of the acidic and basic forms of the plant dye extract. Titration results showed that the plant indicator can serve as a substitute for the methyl red and phenolphthalein indicators for strong acid-strong base and weak acid-strong base titration, but not for weak acid-weak base titration.