Photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet on titanium dioxide/graphene aerogel doped sulfur

• Investigate the characterization of S-TiO 2 /GA; • Investigate the condition factors of CV photocatalytic degradation process of the S-TiO 2 /GA material; • Investigate the kinetics of CV photodegradation processes In this study, titanium dioxide/graphene aerogel doped sulfur (S-TiO 2 /GA) was successfully synthesized by the coprecipitation method with the precursors including titanium isopropoxide, graphene oxide, and thiourea. The S-TiO 2 /GA material was characterized by different advanced analysis methods. The doping between titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and S increased the degree of anatase, reduced the bandgap energy, and enhanced the absorption and photoactivity of the S-TiO 2 /GA material. The degradation efficiency was evaluated via crystal violet (CV) under UV light illumination. The effects of five parameters such as (1) photocatalyst dosage, (2) pH, (3) CV concentration, (4) Adsorption time, and (5) irradiation time, were investigated by the Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken models to select the optimal conditions for the CV degradation process of the S-TiO 2 /GA material. Besides, the mineralization of the S-TiO 2 /GA was evaluated via the total organic carbon parameter. The dominant free radical for the photodegradation of CV was also found. The aforementioned results also confirmed the promising applications of the material in environmental treatments.