Optimization of photocatalytic

degradation of methylene blue dye

using titanate nanotube

Aghareed M. Tayeb
Dina S. Hussein
Rania Farouq

Aghareed M. Tayeb, Dina S. Hussein, Rania Farouq, “Optimization of photocatalytic degradation

of methylene blue dye using titanate nanotube,” J. Nanophoton. 14(2), 026008 (2020),
doi: 10.1117/1.JNP.14.026008
Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene
blue dye using titanate nanotube

Aghareed M. Tayeb,a Dina S. Hussein,a and Rania Farouqb,*

a
Minia University, Faculty of Engineering, Minia, Egypt
b
Pharos University in Alexandria, Petrochemical Engineering Department,
Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract. Titanate nanotubes were evaluated for photocatalytic depletion of methylene blue
(MB) dye under UV radiation in a cylindrical reactor. Titanate has been prepared using
the method of hydrothermal treatment where the precursors are TiO2 and NaOH. Transmitting
electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the prepared
nanotubes. The effect of some parameters was examined. It was shown that removing the dye is
effective: dye initial concentration 5 to 10 ppm, dosage of catalyst 0.25 to 0.50 g catalyst/l of the
solution, and mixture pH 1.4 to 12.6. A total of 17 runs have been designed to take into account
the effective ranges of the effective variables using the experimental Box–Behnken technique.
Two polynomial models were tailored to the experimental outputs created by the response
surface methodology, demonstrating a functional correlation between MB’s percent degradation
and experimental parameters. Design Expert program V.6.0.7 was utilized to maximize the
reaction rate of the experimental parameters. The optimum parameter values were initial con-
centration of MB 5.45 ppm, a dose of TiO2 0.50 g∕l, and pH of the mixture 11.89. Under these
conditions, the percentage of degradation of MB was 99.0995%. © 2020 Society of Photo-Optical
Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) [DOI: 10.1117/1.JNP.14.026008]

Keywords: photocatalysis; methylene blue; titanate nanotubes; response surface methodology.

Paper 20012 received Feb. 8, 2020; accepted for publication Apr. 16, 2020; published online
Apr. 30, 2020.

1 Introduction
Many dyes are extensively applied in textiles, pigments, printing, and many manufacturing
processes.1–3 With the fast development of these manufacturing sectors, large amounts of dyes
are disposed of in wastewater. These waste effluents can damage aquatic creatures if disposed
directly into rivers and other water bodies, as many of these dyes are poisonous and stable in light
and heat. For this reason, the efficient elimination of dyes has become crucial for the environ-
ment. Multiple physicochemical and biological methods for handling dye-containing wastewater
have been introduced. Dye removal techniques should meet the requirements of stricter envi-
ronmental regulations [i.e., green(er) and clean(er) technologies].4
Owing to its semiconductor features, titanium dioxide is still the most commonly used
photocatalyst material that makes it a marvelous choice for photocatalysis applications.
The use of this material for treating wastewater through photocatalysis has tremendously
increased in recent years because of the natural abundance of TiO2 , low cost, low toxicity,
versatility, and easiness for structural modification (e.g., doping, nanostructure generation,
and surface alteration).5
In dye-sensitized photocatalysis, most research studies concentrated on the suspension proc-
ess for the easy synthesis. However, because of the complicated separation of ultrafine catalysts
from the reaction mixture, its practical implementation so far seems to be challenging.6
Lately, the use of elongated titanate nanostructures in environmental research has been of
considerable interest. Titanate nanostructures can be utilized as an adsorbent and photocatalyst
for dye removal. Large cation exchange capacity and surface density are properties that

*Address all correspondence to Rania Farouq, E-mail: rania.farouq@pua.edu.eg

1934-2608/2020/$28.00 © 2020 SPIE

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 Tayeb et al.: Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. . .

characterize the layered titanates, i.e., nanotubes. They are therefore regarded to be promising
adsorbents to remove the dye. In addition, a simple hydrothermal reaction with relatively low
production costs can synthesize different titanate nanostructures.7 Several articles have illus-
trated that the nanotubes exhibit favorable photocatalytic behavior based on the high specific
surface area, superior light-harvesting performance, high mobility of electrons, and unidirec-
tional charge transfer. Additionally, since their lengths are at a scale of several hundreds of nano-
meters in size, this type of material may be efficiently separated from the suspension mixture by
filtration or sedimentation. The TiO2 nanotubes can be utilized in industrial photocatalysis
applications.8–10
In this work, titanate nanotubes (TNTs) were synthesized by hydrothermal processing and
characterized by electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The main purpose of this study
was to optimize the parameters of the application of TNTs as a photocatalyst for pollutant
degradation in wastewater and to examine the interaction effects between the tested variables.
Dyestuffs were frequently utilized as model pollutants in photocatalysis to its extreme envi-
ronmental effect and high resistance to biochemical oxidation. Methylene blue (MB), a tradi-
tional textile dye, has thus been used as the model compound herein.11 In this analysis, the
parameters of the degradation of MB were initial dye concentration, TiO2 nanotubes amount,
and pH.

2 Experimental Work

2.1 Materials
Titania(IV) dioxide (99.9%, El Nasr Chemicals Company), ethanol (C2 H5 OH, Oxford
Laboratory), sodium hydroxide (98.9%, Oxford Laboratory), hydrochloric acid (37%, El Naser
Pharmaceutical Chemicals Company), and MB (C16 H18 ClN3 S · 2H2 O) were used without
further treatment.

2.2 Preparation of Titanate Nanotubes

TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis; under constant magnetic stirring for
1 h, 5 g of pure anatase phase TiO2 bulk-powder was mixed with 10 N NaOH aqueous solution at
pH 12.77. We acquired a milky white solution, which was then put in a stainless steel autoclave
lined with Teflon with a capacity of 1 l and heat-treated for 16 h at 150°C. The produced pre-
cipitate was filtered and rinsed with a 0.1 N HCl solution followed by distilled water several
times. The filtrate was calcined in the air at 500°C for 4 h. This calcination temperature was
selected based on an investigation conducted by Li et al.,12 which state that sample that was
calcined at 500°C had the lowest emission intensity, indicating the lowest rate of recombination
of photogenerated electrons and holes, that indicates to the good crystallization and fewer surface
defects of the sample.

2.3 Characterization
T80UV–VIS Spectrophotometer is used to measure the dye solution concentration. The prod-
uct’s crystalline phases were examined by x-ray powder diffraction (JSX-60 PA, JEOL, Japan).
The sample morphologies were evaluated using an electron transmission microscope and
transmitting electron microscope (TEM) (JEM 100 CX 11 instrument operating at 100 kV).
The catalyst was suspended for 15 min in 2-propanol and ultrasonicated. On a carbon-coated
copper grid, a few drops of this ultrasonicated solution were taken.

2.4 Procedure for the Photodegradation Experiments

Experimental runs were performed in a cylindrical reactor consisting of a UV-A, 15-W lamp,
surrounded by a quartz glass tube that is transparent to UV light and enclosed in a stainless steel
chamber. The suspension moves in between the pipe of stainless steel and the enclosed UV lamp

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 Tayeb et al.: Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. . .

in the annular space. The steel pipe has a diameter of 10 cm and a length of 40 cm. To regulate the
circulation of the reaction suspension in the reactor, this configuration is connected to a variable
speed pump.
A solution was prepared with distinct dye concentrations, e.g., 5, 10, and 15 ppm, and TiO2
nanotubes dosage, e.g., 0.25, 0.38, and 0.50 g∕l solution at various pH values of 1.4, 7, and 12.6
and subjected to ultraviolet light for a predefined period time through the tubular reactor.
Samples are often collected every 15 min and centrifuged for precipitation of TiO2 powder.
The resultant solution is analyzed to determine the dye concentration with a spectrophotometer
at 664 nm. The percentage of MB removal was determined using the following equation:

EQ-TARGET;temp:intralink-;e001;116;628 Y ¼ ðCo − Ct Þ∕Co ¼ ðAo − At Þ∕Ao ; (1)

where Co and Ct are the concentrations of MB at the beginning and any time, respectively. The
parameters Ao and At are the absorbance of the MB dye at the initial and any time at 664-nm
wavelength, respectively.

2.5 Response Surface Methodology

To maximize the rate of MB degradation, response surface methodology (RSM) optimization of
MB initial concentration, TiO2 concentration, and pH value parameters was carried out. These
three parameters represent the independent variables and the rate of MB degradation represents
the response variable. The variables levels and ranges are illustrated in Table 1.
To assess the combined impact of the three independent parameters, a set of 17 experiments
was conducted, adopting the Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD). Table 2 shows the
experimental values of percentage removal of MB under different conditions. The following
equation shows a polynomial model for the three parameters:

y ¼ β0 þ β1 A þ β2 B þ β3 C þ β11 x21 þ β22 x22 þ β33 x23 þ β12 x1 x2 þ β13 x1 x3 þ β23 x2 x3 ;

EQ-TARGET;temp:intralink-;e002;116;428 (2)

where y (%) is the response parameter (MB degradation rate); β0 is the interception coefficient;
β11 , β22 , and β33 are the quadratic terms; β12 , β13 , and β23 are the interaction coefficients; and A,
B, and C are the independent parameters under investigation (concentration of MB, TiO2
amount, and pH). The regression analysis was carried out by the Design Expert V.6.0.7 software.
The data of this research were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The response
surface analysis determines the combined parameter optimum values.

3 Results and Discussion

3.1 Characterization of the Titanate Nanotubes Catalyst

The x-ray diffraction of synthesized nanotubes is shown in Fig. 1. After annealing, nanotubes
crystals become very tiny. All sharp peaks can be linked with crystalline cell constants as sodium
titanium oxide, which are essentially following the values reported in Card No. 37-0345 from the
Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards. Morphologies and structures were demon-
strated using the TEM. Figure 2 demonstrates the samples TEM images created at 160°C for 16 h

Table 1 Variables levels and ranges in BBD.

Range and level

Independent variable −1 0 1

MB initial concentration (A, ppm) 5 10 15

TiO2 concentration (B, g/l) 0.25 0.38 0.5

pH (C) 1.4 7 12.6

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 Tayeb et al.: Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. . .

Table 2 Box–Behnken experiments in conjunction with current and predicted response values.

Experimental conditions MB degradation rate, Y (%)

Std Run A, MB (mg/l) B, TiO2 (g/l) C, pH Actual Predicted

1 2 5 0.25 7 83.6 84.87

2 17 15 0.25 7 78.28 79.35

3 7 5 0.5 7 93.8 92.72

4 8 15 0.5 7 92.5 91.23

5 16 5 0.38 1.4 83.06 84.02

6 9 15 0.38 1.4 77.76 78.92

7 14 5 0.38 12.6 97.02 95.87

8 4 15 0.38 12.6 94.9 93.94

9 12 10 0.25 1.4 79.67 77.44

10 6 10 0.5 1.4 91 91.12

11 10 10 0.25 12.6 94.8 94.69

12 15 10 0.5 12.6 98.5 100.73

13 3 10 0.38 7 84.7 84.7

14 5 10 0.38 7 84.7 84.7

15 1 10 0.38 7 84.7 84.7

16 11 10 0.38 7 84.7 84.7

17 13 10 0.38 7 84.7 84.7

90
80 Titanate nanotubes
70
60
Intensity

50
40
30
20
10
0
4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 68 72 76 80 84 88 92 96 100
2

Fig. 1 X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra of the synthesized TNTs.

in NaOH solution. We assume that NaOH plays a vital role in tubular structure formation. The
first TiO2 powder reacts with NaOH during the TiO2 preparation process forming layered alkali
titanate and H2 that can be found at the beginning of the reaction. The formed crystals are so thin
and readily exfoliated into two-dimensional nanosheets. The layered structure might roll up into
nanotubes due to surface tension at high temperature and pressure of ∼160°C. Through the
hydrothermal process, this tube structure is created. Through the acid treatment process, some
of the Naþ is exchanged by Hþ in the TNTs gradually to create hydrogen titanium oxide or
hydrogen titanium oxide hydrate, even though the morphology maintains a satin tubular
structure.13 The nanotubes after annealing at high temperatures become dehydrated to produce
anatase TiO2 nanotubes with tube structures.

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 Tayeb et al.: Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. . .

Fig. 2 TEM image of the synthesized TNTs.

3.2 Photodegradation Study

The MB dye calibration curve was attained at 664 nm and is used to measure the dye concen-
tration at various times.14 In the following sections, the operating factors influencing the photo-
catalytic removal of MB dye are illustrated.

3.2.1 Effect of pH
The MB solution pH is, therefore, the dominant factor affecting the progress rate of degradation;
several comparative experimental runs were conducted at basic, neutral, and acidic pH values,
e.g., 12.6, 7, and 1.4, respectively.
The results indicate that the pH has a major impact on the reaction on the surface of a semi-
conductor and thus accelerates the rate of degradation of the dye. That is because the pH directly
influences the surface charge of the photocatalyst’s physical features. It is noticed that the TiO2
surface has a negative charge in the alkaline medium at pH 12.6, so there is an electrostatic
attraction between the negative charge on the TiO2 surface and the cationic dye particles with
percentage degradation at about 98.6 % at pH 12.6. This result is confirmed by comparing with
the experimental results reported by previous researcher Dariani et al.15 It was observed that
whenever the pH of the system reduces to 1.4, the rate of pollutant degradation becomes
92.7% and the number of surface sites with positive charges rises and the surface sites on
TiO2 do not tend to absorb the cations of dyes due to electrostatic propulsion.16 So increasing
the pH value enhances the efficiency of removal of the dye. The results for this variable are
displayed in Fig. 3. These results indicate that the photodegradation rate for initial pH values
at the start of the process is higher and bypassing time slope become less inclined, which is due
to the reduction of degradation velocity. This was explained by Dariani et al.,15 where close-
related results were recorded for the degradation of MB. The reason is the formation of middle
products that enter the reaction with hydroxyl radicals so bypassing time and increasing middle
products concentration on one hand and lowering MB value of media; on the other hand, the

Fig. 3 Effect of pH value on pollutant degradation at C o ¼ 5 ppm at 0.50 g TiO2 ∕l.

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 Tayeb et al.: Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. . .

large number of forming radicals is consumed for middle products degradation to simple
products.

3.2.2 Effect of initial dye concentration

Reducing the MB concentration in the solution to 5 ppm at pH 7 and 0.50 g of nanocatalyst/l
solution, the removal rate is increased to 93.8%. The equilibrium time required for the maximum
removal of MB is 90 min for concentration values of 5, 10, and 15 ppm, as shown in Fig. 4. The
removal rate is very high at the beginning of the contact process and then decreases gradually
with time. The rapid removal of dye in the initial period becomes clearer as the concentration of
dye increases from 5 to 10 and 15 ppm. This is because many dye particles are competing for
adsorption on the TiO2 surface when the initial concentration is high. So direct contact with holes
or hydroxyl radicals is reduced, which may prevent dye degradation. Our results agreed with
Dariani et al.15 The UV screening process of the dye molecules is another possible explanation
for these findings. This reduces the percentage degradation to 93.3% and 92.5% for 10 and
15 ppm dye solutions, respectively, because the catalytic reaction declines due to the decline
in OH• and OH2 • concentrations. The byproducts generation in the solution during the dye
degradation process is another logical reason.14

3.2.3 Effect of catalyst dosage

Tests are run on samples of initial pollutant concentrations of 5, 10, 15 ppm; both samples are
exposed to UV after adding TiO2 catalyst in concentrations of 0.25, 0.38, and 0.50 g∕l. The
periodic determination of pollutant concentration gave values as shown in Fig. 5. The results
suggest that the existence of TiO2 has a significant positive impact on the depletion rate of con-
taminants. This is more evident in the initial phase that has been agreed to depend on adsorption.
The reactants and catalysts absorb solar photons, which cause pollutant degradation. This result
concurs with Pathirana and Maithreepala’s previous work.17 The initial rates of degradation

Fig. 4 Effect of the initial concentration of pollutant on degradation, C o ¼ 5, 10, and 15 ppm at
0.50 g TiO2 ∕l and pH ¼ 7.

Fig. 5 Effect of TiO2 nanotubes catalyst concentration on pollutant degradation at C o ¼ 5 ppm,

0.25, 0.38, and 0.50 g TiO2 ∕l, and pH ¼ 7.

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 Tayeb et al.: Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. . .

process were directly proportional to the amount of catalyst, either in slurry, dynamic, or static
flow reactors, demonstrating a heterogeneous regime. Hence, it has been noted that in some
cases, at a certain concentration value the reaction rate decreases and becomes independent
of the amount of catalyst. This concentration is dependent on the geometry of the photoreactor
and the operating conditions for a given amount of TiO2 used in the experimental runs. Actuality,
the efficiency of removal rate increases with increasing the dosage of the catalyst and then
remains almost constant in a specific dosage of the catalyst. In this research, the optimal con-
centration of catalyst ½ðTiO2 Þopt  is 0.50 g∕l of the solution. To ensure complete absorption of
photons, the excess catalyst amount should be avoided. The impact of photocatalyst dosage on
the model compound’s degradation kinetics was investigated using different nanotubes material
concentrations, i.e., 0.25, 0.38, and 0.50 g∕l, and experimental runs were conducted to examine
the impact of catalyst doses on pollutant degradation rates.14

4 Response Surface Methodology

4.1 Model Fitting and Statistical Analysis

To optimize MB degradation, BBD with a total number of 17 experiments was used for the
response surface modeling. Design Expert software used stepwise model fitting to achieve the
best-fit model. The software proposed a quadratic model by supporting the lack of fit and model
summary statistics (Table 3). The model adequacy was further checked using ANOVA.
The ANOVA proposed that the “Model F-value” of 26.81 suggests the model is significant.
Only a 0.01% chance that a Model F-value this large could occur due to noise. Values of
“Prob > F” less than 0.0500 demonstrate that the terms of the model are significant. In this
case, A, B, C, B2 , and C2 are significant model terms. Values larger than 0.1000 suggest that
model terms are not significant. If there were many insignificant model terms, a model reduction
may enhance the model. The insignificant lack of fit demonstrates good predictability. The “R-
squared (R2 )” of 0.9718 is in reasonable agreement with the “Adj. R2” of 0.9356, which also

Table 3 ANOVA results of the response surface and the coefficients quadratic model for
degradation.

Degree of
Source Sum of squares freedom Mean square F -value p-Value Prob > F

Model 691.8132 9 76.86813 26.81118 0.0001 significant

A-A 24.6402 1 24.6402 8.594366 0.0220

B-B 194.5378 1 194.5378 67.85371 < 0.0001

C-C 360.8641 1 360.8641 125.8674 < 0.0001

AB 4.0401 1 4.0401 1.409165 0.2739

AC 2.5281 1 2.5281 0.881787 0.3790

BC 14.55423 1 14.55423 5.076433 0.0589

A2 0.225164 1 0.225164 0.078536 0.7874

B2 27.94553 1 27.94553 9.747248 0.0168

C2 58.14953 1 58.14953 20.28224 0.0028

Residual 20.06913 7 2.867018 — —

Lack of fit 20.06913 3 6.689708 — —

Pure error 0 4 0 — —

Correlation total 711.8823 16 — — —

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 Tayeb et al.: Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. . .

shows good predictability. Adj R2 of 0.936 defines the signal-to-noise ratio as one “adequate
precision.” A ratio exceeding 4 is acceptable. A ratio of 17.938 implies an adequate signal.
An empirical second-order polynomial equation was attained based on data analysis, in terms
of actual factors:18

Y ¼ þ93.95320 − 0.96775  A − 81.21500  B þ 0.27824  C þ 1.60800  A  B

EQ-TARGET;temp:intralink-;e003;116;687

þ 0.028393  A  C − 2.72500  B  C − 9.25000E − 003  A2 þ 164.88000  B2

þ 0:11850  C2 ; (3)

where Y is the removal percentage of MB; A, B, and C are the terms of the coded values of initial
MB concentration, TiO2 doses, and pH value, respectively. Figure 6 demonstrates the predicted
responses versus actual experimental responses. Three-dimensional surfaces and contour plots
are the graphic representations of regression formulas for optimizing the conditions of the
reaction.
The results of the interactions of the three independent variables versus the dependent var-
iable are presented in Figs. 7–9. Figure 7 demonstrates that when the MB initial concentration
decreases and the TiO2 dose increases, the removal percentage of MB increases. However, when
MB concentration and TiO2 dose approach optimal z points, the removal percentage of MB
approaches maximum.18 From the contour plots, the maximum value for MB removal is obtained
at an MB initial concentration of 5.45 ppm and TiO2 loading of 0.50 g∕l of dye solution (Fig. 7).
A curvilinear response surface was observed for the interaction of TiO2 loading and pH at
11.89 on the percentage removal of MB (Fig. 8).
As the initial concentration of MB decreases, the percentage of removal gradually increases.
At high pH values, there is an increase in the percentage of MB removal (Fig. 9). This agrees
with the results from the research of Abdullah et al.18

Predicted versus Actual

101.00

88.25
5
Predicted

75.50

62.75

50.00

50.00 62.68 75.37 88.05 100.73

Actual

Fig. 6 Values of the predicted versus experimental response using TNTs.

Prediction 99.0995 Y
99.4 0.50
97.7591

97.125 96.2746
0.44
94.85 94.7901
Y

B: B

92.575 0.38
93.3056

90.3 91.8211

0.31
0.50 15.00
0.44 0.38 10.00 12.50
0.31 0.25 5.00 7.50
B: B A: A 0.25
5.00 7.50 10.00 12.50 15.00
A: A

Fig. 7 Surface and contour of coded MB concentration and catalyst concentration versus pre-
dicted degradation efficiency.

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 Tayeb et al.: Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. . .

Y
12.60 Prediction 99.0995
97.1636
101 93.8271

95.75 9.80
90.4906
90.5
Y 87.1541

C: C
7.00
85.25
83.8176
80
4.20

12.60
9.80 0.44 0.50
7.00 4.20 0.31 0.38
C: C 1.40 0.25 B: B 1.40
0.25 0.31 0.38 0.44 0.50
B: B

Fig. 8 Surface and contour of coded catalyst concentration and pH versus predicted degradation
efficiency.

Y
12.60 Prediction 99.0995
101
98.7979

96.8611
98
9.80 94.9242

95
92.9874

C: C
Y

7.00
92
91.0506
89
4.20

12.60 15.00
9.80 7.00 10.00 12.50
4.20 1.40 5.00 7.50 1.40
C: C A: A
5.00 7.50 10.00 12.50 15.00
A: A

Fig. 9 Surface and contour of coded MB concentration and pH value versus predicted
degradation.

4.2 Optimization of the Influencing Factors

The optimization of the influencing factors mainly aims to determine the optimum variable val-
ues needed to produce the highest removal of MB. Numerical optimization was conducted using
Design Expert V.6.0.6. The model predicted a maximum percentage removal of 99.09949%
under the optimum conditions of the initial concentration of 5.45 ppm, 0.5 g TiO2 ∕l, and
pH of 12.58 (rounded data). To confirm that the model is satisfactory in anticipating the maxi-
mum MB removal percentage, an experiment was conducted under optimized conditions. The
results yielded a maximum percentage removal of 99.5%, which reflects a satisfactory goodness-
of-fit between the predicted and experimental results as it can be seen in Table 4. This indicates
that an RSM is a useful method for optimizing TiO2 removal of MB.

Table 4 Optimum values of the process parameters for constraint conditions and their experi-
mental values.

MB degradation rate, Y (%)

Parameter Optimum value Predictive Experimental

A (MB, mg/l) 5.45 99.09949 99.5

B (TiO2 , g/l) 0.5 — —

C (pH) 11.89 — —

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 Tayeb et al.: Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. . .

5 Conclusion
TNTs were synthesized with the hydrothermal reaction and characterized by TEM and XRD.
Then, it was used as a catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of MB dye. The BBD is used to
get the optimum values of the influencing factors in the degradation process. It was found that
the optimum conditions were a dose of TiO2 0.50 g∕l, the initial concentration of MB 5.45 ppm,
and pH of reaction mixture 11.89. The calculated percentage of degradation of MB was
99.0995%. The regression analysis shows that the value of R2 equals 0.9718, which indicates
the goodness-of-fit of the experimental results with predicted values.

Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful for the support provided by the Faculty of Engineering, Minia
University and the two anonymous reviewers are also gratefully acknowledged.

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 Tayeb et al.: Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. . .

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Aghareed M. Tayeb received his bachelor of science and master of science in chemical engi-
neering from Alexandria University 1971 and 1978, respectively, his doctor of philosophy in
chemical engineering from Minia University, Egypt, in 1981, and his postgraduate from the
University of Miami in 1979. He was an engineer at Moharrem Press, Alexandria, from
1972 to 1978; a teaching assistant at Minia University from 1978 to 1981; a teacher from
1981 to 1987; an associate professor from 1987 to 1992; a professor of chemical engineering
since 1992; an energy consultant since 1985; an environmental protection consultant since 1990;
a waste recycling consultant since 1992; a vice dean environmental affairs from 2004 to 2006;
and a dean engineer since 2006.

Dina S. Hussein received her BSc degree in chemical engineering in 2005, MSc degree in
chemical engineering in 2008 (title of thesis: photocatalytic degradation of oily effluents), and
PhD in chemical engineering in 2010 (title of thesis: use of nanmaterial in wastewater treatment:
experimental and statistical study).

Rania Farouq received her PhD in chemical engineering with a CGPA (A-) from the Faculty of
Engineering, Alexandria University in Egypt in 2013. She got her master of science in chemical
engineering with a CGPA (B+) from the Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University in Egypt
in 2009. And she received her diploma in chemical engineering with general grade good in 2006.
She obtained her bachelor of science in chemical engineering in 2003. She is an associate pro-
fessor in the Petrochemical Engineering Department, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt.

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