Efficient Sonochemical Degradation of 4-Chlorophenol Catalyzed by Titanium Dioxide Hydrate

A nanocrystalline anatase hydrate (Titanhydrat-0, TH) is a highly efficient catalyst for low intensity sonochemical degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). The initial disappearance rate of 4-CP increases by a factor of 95 under the TH dosage of 0.5 g dm−3. After 120 min of ultrasonic irradiation 63% of 4-CP is completely mineralized under the TH dosage of 0.5 g dm−3. However, in homogeneous sonochemical degradation, no mineralization at all occurs. Moreover, we deduce that the process of sonochemical mineralization mainly occurs at the interface region of TH. The process of sonocatalytic degradation is simple and inexpensive, and appears to be a potentially powerful method of remediation of contaminants in water.