Multi-criteria decision-making for prioritizing photocatalytic processes followed by TiO2-MIL-53(Fe) characterization and application for diazinon removal

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) can introduce the best option based on evidence. We integrated the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to prioritize the alternatives for photocatalytic diazinon removal in a bench scale and characterized TiO2-MIL-53(Fe) for this purpose. Criteria and alternatives were listed based on systematic literature reviews and expert opinions. Then, AHP and TOPSIS questionnaires were developed and distributed to an expert panel for pairwise comparisons. We converted the linguistic variables into the corresponding fuzzy values and used R for mathematical calculations. Then, TiO2-MIL-53(Fe) was synthesized and characterized for diazinon removal under LED visible light. The AHP ranked criteria as availability > degradation efficiency > safety for the environment > material cost > energy consumption > mineralization efficiency > photocatalyst reusability > safety for personnel > equipment cost. Based on TOPSIS, the order of alternatives was TiO2-containing/Visible light > ZnO-containing/UV light > TiO2-containing/UV light > ZnO-containing/Visible light > WO3-containing/UV light. With a bandgap of 1.8 eV, TiO2-MIL-53(Fe) could remove 89.35% of diazinon at 10 mg/L diazinon concentration, 750 mg/L catalyst dose, pH 6.8, and 180-min reaction time. Hybrid AHP-TOPSIS identified the best option for photocatalytic diazinon removal from aqueous solutions. Thus, MCDM techniques can use systematic review results to overcome the uncertainty in designing experimental studies.