Photocatalytic degradation of dyes over a xylan/PVA/TiO2 composite under visible light irradiation.

In this study, a xylan/PVA/TiO2 composite was prepared and used for the photocatalytic degradation of dyes in solution. Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses confirmed that the xylan/PVA/TiO2 composite was successfully prepared. Furthermore, the composite was evaluated as a photocatalyst for the photodegradation of ethyl violet and Astrazon Brilliant Red 4G dyes under visible light irradiation. The effects of various experimental parameters on the decolorization rate were investigated. Dye decolorization rates of more than 94% were achieved. The major active radical species for EV and ABR photodegradation was found to be positive holes (h+).