Room Temperature Oxidation of Formaldehyde Using TiO 2 /Recycled Diatomite Composite

Exploration of value-added materials derived from various wastes has attracted considerable interest. Waste diatomite (WD) has displayed a tendency of variable increase as one of the industrial solid wastes. In this investigation, a novel TiO 2 /recycled diatomite (TiO 2 /RD) composite was developed as an environment remediation material. The microstructure of the as-synthesized sample was characterized using TG-TDA, XRD, FESEM, FT-IR and N 2 adsorption-desorption measurements. WD samples modified by acid leaching, alkaline treating and sintering were helpful to enhanced the regeneration of the porous functional structure. The RD-5.0wt.%TiO 2 composites’ photocatalytic efficiency for room temperature oxidation of formaldehyde reached 95.59%, which was much higher than that of pure TiO 2 . The synergistic effect of absorption and degradation played an important role in the oxidation of HCHO. The encouraging results provide an alternative approach for the development of waste diatomite to improve indoor air quality in the near future.