Photocatalytic degradation of phenols in aqueous solution under irradiation of 254 and 185 nm UV light

The photocatalytic decomposition and mineralization of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), hydroquinone and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in aqueous solution were investigated using two kinds of low-pressure mercury lamps: one was UV (ultraviolet) lamp emitting at 254 nm and the other was VUV (vacuum ultraviolet) lamp emitting at both 254 and 185 nm. VUV irradiation led to the most efficient degradation of the organics. Different mechanisms of photocatalysis and photolysis under VUV irradiation were observed. The degradation rate was subjected to the molecular structures of the substrates. 4-CP was easy to be decomposed, while hydroquinone was easy to be mineralized. However 4-NP was difficult to be decomposed or mineralized. VUV was efficient for decomposition of refractory compounds, such as nitrophenols, and the catalyst was efficient for TOC removal.