Photodegradation of Benzene in Water with Palladium Catalysts Supported on Aluminum, Cerium, and Zirconium Oxides

In this study, we evaluate the photocatalytic degradation of benzene in aqueous solutions using palladium catalysts supported on mixed oxides of aluminum, cerium, and zirconium. The process was conducted using UV radiation in both a batch reactor and a solar compound parabolic collector (CPC). The catalysts were synthesized via the sol-gel method and characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Significant attention was given to the formation of intermediate products in the photocatalytic process, with total mineralization of benzene achieved within 10 to 15 minutes. Notably, Pd/Al90Zr10 and Pd/Al80Ce10Zr10 catalysts demonstrated superior performance, achieving benzene degradation in just 5 minutes without intermediate product formation. These catalysts were further tested with the solar collector, resulting in complete mineralization within 1 hour.