Zirconium Doped Titania: Destruction of Warfare Agents and Photocatalytic Degradation of Orange 2 Dye

The homogeneous hydrolysis mixture of titanium oxo-sulphate and zirconium oxo-sulphate with urea at temperature 100°C has been used to prepare Zr4+ doped anatase with high specific surface area. The structure of the prepared samples was determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The morphology and microstructure characteristics were also obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM). The nitrogen adsorption-desorption was used for surface area (BET) and porosity determination. These oxides were taken for experimental evaluation of their reactivity with yperite (2,2′-dichloroethyl sulfide or HD or sulphur mustard), soman (3,3-dimethyl-2-butyl methylphosphonofluoridate or GD) and matter VX (O-ethyl S-2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothionate). The photoactivity of the prepared samples was assessed by the photocatalytic decomposition of Orange 2 dye in an aqueous slurry under irradiation of 254 nm and 365 nm wavelength.