At MSRL, our primary application focuses on photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes, a sustainable solar harvesting technology aimed at treating industrial wastewater. Utilizing sunlight, this process effectively breaks down dye pollutants from textile industries, offering an eco-friendly solution for water purification. To simulate and optimize this application, we employ a custom-built photocatalytic reactor. Through continuous research and innovation, we strive to develop advanced photocatalysts for cleaner and more sustainable environmental solutions.
In the photocatalytic degradation process, commonly used industrial dyes, such as methylene blue and Rhodamine B, are employed. While the specific dye may vary depending on the case, a standard concentration of 10 ppm is typically used. The photocatalyst material is maintained at a standard concentration of 1 g/L. During the degradation process, the pH of the solution is adjusted to either acidic (e.g., pH 2) or basic (e.g., pH 10), depending on the nature of the dye and the surface characteristics of the photocatalyst. The reactor is illuminated with both visible and UV light to simulate natural sunlight. Measurements are taken at regular intervals over several hours to monitor the degradation and discoloration of the dye, with data acquisition conducted at specific time points throughout the process.