Exploiting stored TiO2 electrons for multi-electron reduction of an azo dye methyl orange in aqueous suspension

The mechanism of multi-electron reduction of methyl orange (MO) azo dye on TiO₂ nanoparticles has been studied performing stopped flow technique. A multi-electron reduction of azo dye has been investigated. It was found that a multistep reduction of the dye takes place: the stored electrons reduce the conjugative system of the azo group resulting in the decolorization of the dye and leading to the formation of hydrazine derivative followed by further 2 electron transfer step leading to the cleavage of the N–N bond and the formation of aromatic amines. The FTIR analysis of the products confirms the proposed mechanism of the dye reduction. The kinetic parameters and of the multi-electrons reduction of the MO have been determined. The rate of MO reduction was found to be dependent on both the TiO₂ electrons and the dye concentrations.