Analytical control of photocatalytic treatments: degradation of a sulfonated azo dye

The degradation of Methyl Orange (C₁₄H₁₄N₃SO₃Na), chosen as a model sulfonated azo dye, was investigated in aqueous solutions containing suspended polycrystalline TiO₂ particles under irradiation with simulated sunlight. The dye disappearance and the formation of the mineralization end products were monitored; the formation of the main transient intermediates was also examined in detail. Particular attention was devoted to the identification and to the evolution of fragments retaining the chromophoric group. The comparison of data coming from various analytical techniques led to a possible reaction mechanism for the degradation process, giving insight into an aspect of the treatment which has not been considered in previous studies.