The photocatalytic degradation of cationic surfactant from wastewater in the presence of nano-zinc oxide using Taguchi method

The photocatalytic degradation of cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC) has been investigated in aqueous phase using ultraviolet (UV) and ZnO nanopowder. Kinetic analysis showed that the extent of surfactant photocatalytic degradation can be fitted with pseudo-first-order model and photochemical elimination of CPC could be studied by Taguchi method. Our experimental design was based on testing five factors, i.e., dosage of K₂S₂O₈, concentration of CPC, amount of ZnO, irradiation time and initial pH. Each factor was tested at four levels. The optimum parameters were found to be pH 5.0; amount of ZnO 11 mg; K₂S₂O₈ 3 mM; CPC 10 mg/L; irradiation time, 8 h.