Titanium dioxide for the degradation of the pesticide Difenoconazole: synthesis, modification, and photocatalysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19180/2177-4560.v19n22025p79-93

Keywords:

Emerging pollutants, Advanced oxidative processes, Semiconductors, Photodegradation, pesticides

Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalysis has proven to be a promising alternative for the degradation of pesticides, including difenoconazole, contributing to the mitigation of environmental impacts caused by the use of agrochemicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of TiO₂-based photocatalysts in the photodegradation of the fungicide difenoconazole. TiO₂ synthesis was carried out via the sol-gel route, with hydrothermal treatment (HTT), and different temperature conditions (160°C to 250°C) and treatment times (2h to 4h) were evaluated. The results indicated that the TiO₂ catalyst treated at 160°C for 2 hours showed the best performance in the degradation of difenoconazole. Regarding the pH of the solutions, acidic (pH 2) and neutral (pH 7) environments were more effective for pesticide degradation, which can be attributed to the favorable interaction between TiO₂ and the fungicide at these pH levels, where the material’s surface charge enhances adsorption and photodegradation. Concerning TiO₂ modification with transition metals, doping with Fe resulted in a significant increase in photocatalytic activity, surpassing doping with Ni and Cu.

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Author Biographies

  • Carollayne Novaes de Sa, Instituto Federal Fluminense
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  • Rafaela Vitória Silva de Souza, Instituto Federal Fluminense
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  • Siloé Gonçalves Fernandes, Instituto Federal Fluminense
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  • Patricia Corradini, Instituto Federal Fluminense
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Published

10-12-2025

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 2 (2025): Boletim do Observatório Ambiental - IFF

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Original articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Carollayne Novaes de Sa, Rafaela Vitória Silva de Souza, Siloé Gonçalves Fernandes, Patricia Corradini

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How to Cite

Titanium dioxide for the degradation of the pesticide Difenoconazole: synthesis, modification, and photocatalysis. Boletim do Observatório Ambiental Alberto Ribeiro Lamego, [S. l.], v. 19, n. 2, p. 79–93, 2025. DOI: 10.19180/2177-4560.v19n22025p79-93. Disponível em: https://editoraessentia.iff.edu.br/index.php/boletim/article/view/23501.. Acesso em: 14 dec. 2025.