Photocatalysis over N-Doped TiO₂ Driven by Visible Light for Pb(II) Removal from Aqueous Media

The photocatalysis process over N-doped TiO2 under visible light is examined for Pb(II) removal. The doping TiO2 with N element was conducted by simple hydrothermal technique and using urea as the N source. The doped photocatalysts were characterized by DRUVS, XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDX instruments. Photocatalysis of Pb(II) through a batch experiment was performed for evaluation of the doped TiO2 activity under visible light, with applying various fractions of N-doped, photocatalyst mass, irradiation time, and solution pH. The research results attributed that N doping has been successfully performed, which shifted TiO2 absorption into visible region, allowing it to be active under visible irradiation. The photocatalytic removal of Pb(II) proceeded through photo-oxidation to form PbO2. Doping N into TiO2 noticeably enhanced the photo-catalytic oxidation of Pb(II) under visible light irradiation. The highest photocatalytic oxidation of 15 mg/L Pb(II) in 25 mL of the solution could be reached by employing TiO2 doped with 10%w of N content 15 mg, 30 min of time and at pH 8. The doped-photocatalyst that was three times repeatedly used demonstrated significant activity. The most effective process of Pb(II) photo-oxidation under beneficial condition, producing less toxic and handleable PbO2 and good repeatable photocatalyst, suggest a feasible method for Pb(II) remediation on an industrial scale.