Transition metal oxide loaded MCM catalysts for photocatalytic degradation of dyes

Transition metal oxide (TiO2, Pe(2)O(3), CoO) loaded MCM-41 and MCM-48 were synthesized by a two-step surfactant-based process. Nanoporous, high surface area compounds were obtained after calcination of the compounds. The catalysts were characterized by SEM, XRD, XPS, UV-vis and BET surface area analysis. The catalysts showed high activity for the photocatalytic degradation of both anionic and cationic dyes. The degradation of the dyes was described using Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics and the associated rate parameters were determined.