The Addition of Anthocyanin as a Sensitizer for TiO 2 Nanotubes in a Combined Process of Electrocoagulation and Photocatalysis for Methylene Blue Removal

Photocatalysis with TiO 2 semiconductors is one of several potential methods for removing Methylene Blue (MB) that is environmentally friendly, relatively cheap, and effective. The capability of TiO 2 photocatalysts for degrading MB can be improved by modifying the morphology of TiO 2 into nanotubes and adding anthocyanin sensitizers. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of anthocyanin sensitizer addition for TiO 2 nanotubes on MB removal using a combined process of electrocoagulation and photocatalysis. TiO 2 nanotubes were prepared through an anodization method with a glycerol electrolyte containing NH 4 F of 0.5% w / v and water of 25% v / v . The cathode and anode used in the electrocoagulation process were 316 stainless steel and aluminum, respectively. The characteristics of the resulting TiO 2 nanotubes were analyzed using SEM-EDX, UV–Vis DRS, and XRD analyses. The results showed that the electrocoagulation at a pH of 10 and a voltage of 50 volts resulted in an MB removal efficiency of 57.88%. In the photocatalysis process, sensitizer addition can increase the MB removal efficiency from 19.71% to 29.06%. Furthermore, a combined process of electrocoagulation and photocatalysis without and with sensitizer addition resulted in MB removal efficiencies of 59.66% and 64.30%, respectively.