Synthesis and Characterization of Titania-Based Nanopowders for Photocatalytic Degradation of Pindolol

Beta-blockers pose a hazard to the environment and there is an ongoing search for the efficient method for their degradation. Under suitable preparation conditions, titania - based nanopowders show promise as photocatalysts for degradation of pindolol (selected $\beta $-blocker). To find the material properties suitable for rapid degradation of this $\beta $-blocker, we investigate how variation in the pH value of suspension during sol-gel synthesis affects structural, vibrational, and optical properties of titania-based nanopowders. Characterization has been carried out using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The structural measurements reveal anatase as a dominant titania (TiO$_{\mathrm{2}})$ phase in these samples. Our results show that synthesized titania-based nanopowders exhibit similar or higher efficiency in the photodegradation of pindolol under simulated solar irradiation when compared to commercial TiO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ Wackherr catalyst.