Photocatalytic Oxidation of Printing and Dyeing Wastewater by Foam Ceramics Loaded with Cu and N–TiO2.

Copper (Cu) and nitrogen (N) co-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) loaded catalysts were synthesized through the sol–gel process. Butyl titanate was used as the precursor, while urea and blue vitriol served as the N and Cu sources, respectively. These materials were applied to foam ceramics using the dip-coating method, which was followed by a photocatalytic oxidation test was carried out using an RhB solution to simulated dye wastewater. The catalysts were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry. The results revealed that the modified TiO2 was well dispersed on the foam ceramic surface, with all nanoparticles exhibiting an anatase phase structure. Additionally, the visible light responsiveness of the TiO2 was optimal. The study further investigated the effects of Cu and N–TiO2 catalysts on the photocatalytic oxidation of dyeing wastewater under UV light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]