Synthesis of TiO₂-SiO₂ composite photocatalyst for efficient dye decolorization using a custom-built photocatalytic reactor

Authors

  • Samia Tabassum Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
  • M S Bashar Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
  • Ayesha Siddika Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
  • Nilufa Yeasmin Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
  • Sadia Naznin Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
  • Sadia Afrin Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
  • Shamima Akther Eti BCSIR Laboratories Dhaka, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
  • Abu Bakar Md Ismail Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v60i3.81575

Keywords:

Photocatalyst, reactor, nanocomposite, Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy, Dye removal

Abstract

This study addresses the urgent need for effective industrial wastewater treatment by developing a sustainable photocatalytic system. A TiO₂-SiO₂ composite photocatalyst was synthesized using the sol-gel method and applied for dye decolorization in a custom-designed photocatalytic reactor. In contrast to other designs, the reactor's U-shaped circulation system, pump, and wastewater reservoir improve UV light exposure area and photocatalytic efficiency. The performance of the reactor was evaluated and compared with a conventional laboratory reactor, demonstrating comparable efficacy. A 1:1.5 solution-to-catalyst ratio achieved complete decolorization of dye within 30 minutes. We also report the synthesis and application of a TiO₂-SiO₂ composite photocatalyst for dye decolorization. The photocatalyst, with anatase-phase TiO₂ uniformly dispersed over SiO₂. Photocatalytic activity was optimized at a 25% TiO₂ loading, which exhibited superior performance under UV irradiation. This work highlights the potential of TiO₂-SiO₂ composites and engineered reactors in promoting cost-effective and eco-friendly wastewater treatment technologies, supporting cleaner industrial practices.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 60(3), 203-212, 2025

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Author Biographies

Samia Tabassum, Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

 

 

M S Bashar, Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

 

 

Ayesha Siddika, Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

 

 

Nilufa Yeasmin, Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

 

 

Sadia Naznin, Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

 

 

Sadia Afrin, Institute of Energy Research and Development, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

 

 

Shamima Akther Eti, BCSIR Laboratories Dhaka, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

 

 

Abu Bakar Md Ismail, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

 

 

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Published

2025-09-21

How to Cite

Tabassum, S., Bashar, M. S., Siddika, A., Yeasmin, N., Naznin, S., Afrin, S., … Md Ismail, A. B. (2025). Synthesis of TiO₂-SiO₂ composite photocatalyst for efficient dye decolorization using a custom-built photocatalytic reactor. Bangladesh Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 60(3), 203–212. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v60i3.81575

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Articles