TiO₂@palygorskite composite for the efficient remediation of oil spills via a dispersion-photodegradation synergy

Abstract

• A novel and multi-functional clay-based oil spill remediation system was constructed.

• TiO₂@PAL functions as a particulate dispersant to break oil slick into tiny droplets.

• Effective dispersion leads to the direct contact of TiO₂ with oil pollutes directly.

• TiO₂ loaded on PAL exhibits efficient photodegradation for oil pollutants.

• TiO₂@PAL shows a typical dispersion-photocatalysis synergistic remediation.

Removing spilled oil from the water surface is critically important given that oil spill accidents are a common occurrence. In this study, TiO₂@Palygorskite composite prepared by a simple coprecipitation method was used for oil spill remediation via a dispersion-photodegradation synergy. Diesel could be efficiently dispersed into small oil droplets by TiO₂@Palygorskite. These dispersed droplets had an average diameter of 20–30 mm and exhibited good time stability. The tight adsorption of TiO₂@Palygorskite on the surface of the droplets was observed in fluorescence and SEM images. As a particulate dispersant, the direct contact of TiO₂@Palygorskite with oil pollutants effectively enhanced the photodegradation efficiency of TiO₂ for oil. During the photodegradation process, •O₂⁻and •OH were detected by ESR and radical trapping experiments. The photodegradation efficiency of diesel by TiO₂@Palygorskite was enhanced by about 5 times compared with pure TiO₂ under simulated sunlight irradiation. The establishment of this new dispersion-photodegradation synergistic remediation system provides a new direction for the development of marine oil spill remediation.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Palygorskite / TiO ₂ / Pickering emulsion / Oil spill / Dispersion / Photodegradation

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