Photocatalytic degradation of oxalic acid over TiO2 power

The photocatalytic degradation of oxalic acid in aqueous suspensions of TiO 2 was investigated by following the formation of CO2. Based on the data obt ained the reaction mechanism was proposed. The oxidation of oxalic acid fol lows first-order kinetics in the studied range (0.3-4.0 mu mol H2C2O4) Init ial rate of disappearance fits a Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model. As a r esult, reaction rate constant and adsorption equilibrium constant were foun d to be 3.20 mu mol min(-1) and 0.22 mu mol(-1), respectively. (C) 1998 Els evier Science S.A. All rights reserved.