Photocatalytic Oxidation of Toluene to Benzoic Acid over Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide

Abstract

The photocatalytic oxidation of toluene to benzoic acid, over naked titanium
dioxide and zinc oxide has been done in this study . The formation of the product was
followed by using infrared spectroscopy . The concentration of the produced acid was
determined by titration with standard solution of potassium permanganate . The
reaction were done at 293 and 298 K and irradiation with ultraviolet light from a
middle pressure mercury lamp . It has been found that the concentration of the formed
acid is increased with the increase in reaction time and at higher temperature. Also its
found that titanium dioxide was more photoreactive than zinc oxide in this reaction .