Efficient photoelectrocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) using TiO2 nanotube arrays as the photoanode and a large-area titanium mesh as the photocathode

Simultaneous removal of organic pollutants and heavy metals in wastewater by photoelectrocatalysis: A review

As a powerful technique by combining photocatalysis with electrochemistry, photoelectrocatalysis has been extensively explored to simultaneously remove mixed pollutants of organic and heavy metal in wastewater in the past decade. In the photoelectrocatalytic system, the bias potential can remarkably promote the oxidation of organic pollutants on the photoanode by suppressing the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and extending the lifetime of photogenerated holes. Meanwhile, some photogenerated electrons are driven by the bias potential to the cathode to reduce heavy metals. In this review, we summarize the research advances in photoelectrocatalytic treatment of organic-heavy metal mixed pollution systems under UV light, visible light and sunlight. We demonstrate the main operation variables affecting the photoelectrocatalytic removal processes of organic pollutants and heavy metals. The problems for utilization of solar energy in photoelectrocatalysis are discussed. Finally, this review proposes the perspectives for future development of photoelectrocatalysis to industrial applications.

Semiconductor Electrode Materials Applied in Photoelectrocatalytic Wastewater Treatment—an Overview

Industrial sources of environmental pollution generate huge amounts of industrial wastewater containing various recalcitrant organic and inorganic pollutants that are hazardous to the environment. On the other hand, industrial wastewater can be regarded as a prospective source of fresh water, energy, and valuable raw materials. Conventional sewage treatment systems are often not efficient enough for the complete degradation of pollutants and they are characterized by high energy consumption. Moreover, the chemical energy that is stored in the wastewater is wasted. A solution to these problems is an application of photoelectrocatalytic treatment methods, especially when they are coupled with energy generation. The paper presents a general overview of the semiconductor materials applied as photoelectrodes in the treatment of various pollutants. The fundamentals of photoelectrocatalytic reactions and the mechanism of pollutants treatment as well as parameters affecting the treatment process are presented. Examples of different semiconductor photoelectrodes that are applied in treatment processes are described in order to present the strengths and weaknesses of the photoelectrocatalytic treatment of industrial wastewater. This overview is an addition to the existing knowledge with a particular focus on the main experimental conditions employed in the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of various pollutants with the application of semiconductor photoelectrodes.

Selective reduction of Cr(VI) in chromium, copper and arsenic (CCA) mixed waste streams using UV/TiO2 photocatalysis

The highly toxic Cr(VI) is a critical component in the Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) formulations extensively employed as wood preservatives. Remediation of CCA mixed waste and discarded treated wood products is a significant challenge. We demonstrate that UV/TiO₂ photocatalysis effectively reduces Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III) in the presence of arsenate, As(V), and copper, Cu(II). The rapid conversion of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) during UV/TiO₂ photocatalysis occurs over a range of concentrations, solution pH and at different Cr:As:Cu ratios. The reduction follows pseudo-first order kinetics and increases with decreasing solution pH. Saturation of the reaction solution with argon during UV/TiO₂ photocatalysis had no significant effect on the Cr(VI) reduction demonstrating the reduction of Cr(VI) is independent of dissolved oxygen. Reduction of Cu(II) and As(V) does not occur under the photocatalytic conditions employed herein and the presence of these two in the tertiary mixtures had a minimal effect on Cr(VI) reduction. The Cr(VI) reduction was however, significantly enhanced by the addition of formic acid, which can act as a hole scavenger and enhance the reduction processes initiated by the conduction band electron. Our results demonstrate UV/TiO₂ photocatalysis effectively reduces Cr(VI) in mixed waste streams under a variety of conditions.

Photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of Cu(II)-EDTA at the TiO2 electrode and simultaneous recovery of Cu(II) by electrodeposition

The simultaneous decomplexation of Cu-EDTA and electrodeposition recovery of Cu(2+) ions was attempted in a photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) system using TiO2/Ti as the anode and stainless steel as the cathode. At a current density of 0.5 mA/cm(2), removal efficiencies of 0.05 mM Cu-EDTA by photocatalysis, electrooxidation, and PEC processes were determined to be 15, 43, and 72% at 3 h, respectively. Recovery percentages of Cu(2+) ions were determined to be 10, 33, and 67%, respectively. These results indicated that a synergetic effect in the decomplexation of Cu-EDTA and recovery of Cu(2+) ions occurred in the PEC process, which favored acid conditions and increased with the current densities. The removal of Cu-EDTA and Cu(2+) ions can be described by a pseudo-first-order kinetics model. Ca(2+) ions significantly increase the removal of Cu-EDTA and recovery of Cu(2+) ions. Intermediates, including Cu-NTA, Cu-EDDA, acetic acid, formic acid, and oxalic acid, were identified, and a decomplexation pathway of Cu-EDTA was proposed. The Cu-EDTA decomplexation at the anode via oxidation of hydroxyl radicals was revealed. On the basis of X-ray photoelectron spectra analysis, a reduction pathway of Cu(2+) ions at the cathode was discussed. The present study may provide a promising alternative for destruction of the metal complex and recovery of metal ions.