The role of adsorption in decomposition of dyes on TiO2 and N-modified TiO2 photocatalysts under UV and visible light irradiations

Photoactivities of TiO2 based photocatalysts towards dyes decomposition was studied by consider their adsorption abilities. It was proved that zeta potential and PZC (point zero charge) of photocatalyst surface as well as pH of solution strongly influenced adsorption of tested dyes, Methylene Blue (MB) and Reactive Red 198 (RR198). These dyes underwent the photocatalytic decomposition by two ways, OH radicals attack and direct oxidation with photogenerated holes. The latter one is more efficient in case of better contact of pollutant with the photocatalysts surface and is dominant under visible light irradiation, where insignificant amount of OH radicals is formed. The former one is powerful under UV irradiation and is a key factor in decomposition of dyes regardless of their adsorption abilities.