UTILIZAÇÃO DE PÓ DE ROCHA COM Nb2O5: ALTERNATIVA PARA TRATAMETO DE EFLUENTES INDUSTRIAIS.

In this research, the use of Nb2O5 and rock dust was evaluated as photocatalysts in the discoloration of synthetic effluent. The materials were used alone in their pure form and also combined, by wet impregnation, in different proportions to identify whether their synergy would positively affect the discoloration. Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, N2 Adsorption and Desorption and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy were used to characterize the materials. The pure materials proved to be excellent photocatalysts in the experimental tests, however, the mixture of rock powder with Nb2O5 impaired the efficiency in the discoloration of the CI Yellow Basic 96 dye. The characterization of photoacoustic spectroscopy indicated that the combination of materials altered the absorption, compromising its catalytic action. Despite this, both materials, when used alone, achieved high discoloration (PR: 85%, Nb2O5: 97%), highlighting their potential in the treatment of effluents containing dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]