Adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of gas-phase UDMH under simulated sunlight by AgBr/TiO2/rGA

Abstract

The degradation of UDMH has long been a concern for its harmful effects on humans and the environment. The current research on gas-phase UDMH treatment is limited and mainly focuses on ultraviolet light and high temperature environments, however the highly toxic substance NDMA is easily produced. In order to investigate the possibility of UDMH degradation in sunlight, AgBr/TiO₂/rGA composites were prepared with the addition of different amounts of silver bromide. The highest UDMH conversion of AgBr/TiO₂/rGA in humid air is 51%, much higher than the control group value of 24%, which can be ascribed to the synergy of adsorption and photocatalysis. The graphene and silver in AgBr/TiO₂/rGA not only enhance the adsorption of light and UDMH, but also inhibit charge recombination and enhance electron–hole separation. More importantly, the temperature of the AgBr/TiO₂/rGA composite was raised by the photothermal effect of graphene with promoted UDMH degradation efficiency. Furthermore, it is noted that NDMA was not detected in the optimal conditions.