Characterization of fabricated MnO₂-amberlite photocatalyst by FTIR, XRD and SEM for alizarin removal

This study investigates the characterizations of fabricated MnO₂-amberlite using for alizarin photocatalytic degradation. Mixtures of fabricated MnO₂-amberlite were magnetically stirred for 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, and 30h, respectively. Some functional groups of amberlite like C-O, C-C and N-H were eliminated after doping with MnO₂ as shown by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectra in the range of 1600 – 900 cm^-1, change in crystalline structures due to linkage of MnO₂ with amberlite was observed at 2θ of 25° in the XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis, and change in surface morphology due to MnO₂ doping in amberlite was investigated in SEM (Scanning electrone microscope) examination. Since alizarin is a harmful material causing environmental problem, this preliminary study found that the 18h-stirred fabricated MnO₂-amberlite showed the best photocatalytic properties, which enabled to degrade 23.4% alizarin under 1h UV exposure without heating. (paper)