Photocatalytic Simultaneous Removal of Nitrite and Ammonia via a Zinc Ferrite/Activated Carbon Hybrid Catalyst under UV-Visible Irradiation

Photocatalytic removal of ammonia nitrogen from water: investigations and challenges for enhanced activity

Ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N/NH4+-N) serves as a crucial chemical in biochemistry and fertilizer synthesis. However, it is also a toxic compound, posing risks from eutrophication to direct threats to human health. Ammonia nitrogen pollution pervades water sources, presenting a significant challenge. While several water treatment technologies exist, biological treatment, though widely used, has its limitations. Hence, green and efficient photocatalytic technology emerges as a promising solution. However, current monolithic semiconductor photocatalysts prove inadequate in controlling ammonia nitrogen pollution. Therefore, this review focuses on enhancing semiconductor photocatalysts' efficiency through modification, discussing four mechanisms: (1) mono-ionic modification; (2) metallic and non-metallic modification; (3) construct heterojunctions; and (4) enhancement of synergistic effects of multiple technologies. The influencing factors of photocatalytic ammonia nitrogen removal efficiency are also explored. Moreover, the review outlines the limitations of current photocatalytic pollution treatment and discusses future development trends and research challenges. Currently, the main products of ammonia nitrogen removal include NO3-, NO2-, and N2. To mitigate secondary pollution, the green process of converting ammonia nitrogen to N2 using photocatalysis emerges as a fundamental approach for future treatment. Overall, this review aims to deepen understanding of photocatalysis in ammonia nitrogen treatment and guide researchers toward widespread implementation of this endeavor.

Fabrication of a porous Urea@MIL-100(Fe)/CI-MCC/SA hydrogel for All-In-One adsorption, removal and fluorescence monitoring of nitrite

In this paper, a novel All-In-One Urea@MIL-100(Fe)/CI-MCC/SA hydrogel platform was generated by microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) functionalized with pH-response probe (CI), MIL-100 (Fe) and sodium alginate (SA), which was as a carrier of urea to adsorb, remove and monitor NO2-. Under acidic condition, the fluorescent hydrogel platform could produce N2, CO2 and H2O through the diazotization and redox reaction between urea and NO2- with a removal efficiency up to 99.8%, and could also character a good adsorption property for NO2- due to the positive charges of protonation (the maximum adsorption capacity was 21.67 mg g-1), and the adsorption kinetics conformed to pseudo-second-order model. By carried out the NO2- removal step in fluorescent hydrogel platform, NO2- could also be detected indirectly by sensing the changes of pH within 15 min. The linear response range was 0-0.005 M, and the detection limit (LOD) was 74 μM. These results demonstrated that this All-In-One Urea@MIL-100(Fe)/CI-MCC/SA hydrogel platform had great potential in environment. This strategy for the removal and monitoring of NO2- could be employed to related applications in water purification and environmental protection. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Nitrite is one of the important indicators of water monitoring, which is harmful to human and environment. The removal and monitoring of nitrite in industrial wastewater and surface water is very important, but there are no studies about it at present. Based on the fact that urea can react with nitrite to produce green products, we synthesized a novel functional hydrogel to achieve adsorption, removal and fluorescence monitoring of nitrite for the first time. Besides, the practicability of the material in environmental water samples was verified through the detection of nitrite in simulated wastewater.

Converting synthetic azo dye and real textile wastewater into clean energy by using synthesized CuO/C as photocathode in dual-photoelectrode photocatalytic fuel cell

Cathode in photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) plays a crucial role in degradation of organic contaminants. In this study, synthesized copper oxide (CuO) was loaded on carbon plate and used as photocathode in PFC for degradation of synthetic azo dye Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and real textile wastewater. Morphology and structural phase of the synthesized CuO were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Several operating parameters had been investigated such as light irradiation, initial dye concentration, and pH of azo dye solution within 6 h of irradiation time. The lowest initial concentration of RB5 (10 mg L^-1) achieved 100% color removal compared to the highest initial concentration (40 mg L^-1) which only achieved 77.1% color removal within 6 h of irradiation time. The influence of external resistance was significant in electricity generation but trivial in dye degradation efficiency. The external resistance of 6000 Ω yielded highest maximum power density, with P_max of 0.2631 μW cm^-2, followed by 1000 Ω (0.2196 μW cm^-2) and 8000 Ω (0.1587 μW cm^-2), respectively. The real textile wastewater with dilution ratio (DR) 1:6 yielded the highest energy conversion efficiency, η (3.62%), followed by DR 1:4 (3.19%) and DR 1:2 (1.96%), respectively.

Photocatalytic degradation of ammonia with titania nanoparticles under UV light irradiation

Ammonia is one of the major pollutants of water resources, posing a serious threat to human health and the environment. Titania nanoparticles were used to examine the photocatalytic degradation of ammonia from an aqueous solution in this study. Titania nanoparticles (NPs) were first synthesized via the sol-gel method, then characterized using XRD, FTIR, DLS, EDX, FE-SEM, and TEM analyses. Four effective parameters (pH, initial concentration of pollutant, catalyst dosage, and irradiation time) for photocatalytic degradation were explored using Design-Expert Software. The greatest photocatalytic activity of titania NPs was found in optimal conditions, according to the findings (97%). The optimum amounts of catalyst dosage, initial pollutant concentration, irradiation time, and pH were obtained at 0.3 g/l, 1500 mg/l, 120 min, and 12, respectively. Furthermore, studies revealed that pH was the most efficient variable in comparison with others and that increasing the pH value from 8 to 12 boosted ammonia removal from 40 to 97%. NPs showed high stability as the ammonia removal decreased from 96.96% to 65% after four cycles. Generally, this research has created a precedent for the development of morphology-dependent photocatalysts for the degradation of organic contaminants.

Revisiting the mechanisms of nitrite ions and ammonia removal from aqueous solutions: photolysis versus photocatalysis

Nitrite ions and ammonia are widespread forms of inorganic water pollutants. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of their photolytic and photocatalytic reactions under UV-A irradiation are still fully undisclosed, particularly, at different pH values under aerobic and inert atmospheres. Herein, we have studied the photolytic decomposition of nitrite ions under different conditions using 365 nm UV-A LED as a light source instead of mercury lamps that emit photons in the UV-B region and generate a lot of heat. The results indicated that the rate of nitrite disproportionation in the dark at pH ≤ 3.0 is remarkably high relative to the rate of the photolytic decomposition. At pH ˃ 3, the photolytic reaction is negligible and nitrite ions showed considerable stability. In contrast, the photocatalytic oxidation of nitrite ions over TiO₂ photocatalysts, namely, TiO₂P25, TiO₂UV100, and TiO₂ anatase/brookite mixture proceeds at pH ˃ 3.0. TiO₂ P25 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity at pH 5. Interestingly, the photolytic simultaneous removal of nitrite ions and ammonia was possible at pH 9.0 in the absence of oxygen (Ar atmosphere). A 42.69 ± 0.66%, 27.75 ± 1.7%, and 32.74 ± 0.59% of nitrogen calculated based on nitrite, ammonia, and both of them, respectively, can be removed after 6 h of UV-A irradiation. The selectivity of N₂ evolution was 77.6%. The nitrogen removal rate was significantly reduced in the presence of TiO₂ photocatalyst evincing that TiO₂ photocatalysis is applicable for nitrite ions oxidation, whereas the photolytic process is better suited for the simultaneous removal of nitrite ions and ammonia.

A novel CuBi2O4/polyaniline composite as an efficient photocatalyst for ammonia degradation

A novel polyaniline (PANI) coupled CuBi₂O₄ photocatalyst was successfully synthesized via in situ polymerization of aniline with pre-synthesized CuBi₂O₄ composites. The structure and morphology of the synthesized CuBi₂O₄/PANI composite photocatalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the photocatalytic performance were evaluated through degradation process of ammonia in water under visible light irradiation. The resultant CuBi₂O₄/PANI composite showed exceptional stability as its structure and morphology persisted even after being immersed in water for 2 days. The composite photocatalyst exhibited improved charge transport properties due to the electrical conductivity of the PANI protective layer, leading to enhanced photoelectrochemical activity in water and removal of ammonia. PANI with CuBi₂O₄ (10% wt) heterostructure was applied for photodegradation of ammonia and exhibited a 96% ammonia removal efficiency (30 mg/l with 0.1 g photocatalyst and 180 min), as compared to PANI (78%) and CuBi₂O₄ (70%). The degradation was attributed to the efficient charge transfer (e^- and h⁺) and formation of reactive oxygen species upon simulated sunlight exposure. The present work suggests that the CuBi₂O₄/PANI photocatalyst can be synthesized in a simple process and provides an excellent adsorption capacity, high photocatalytic activity, long term stability, and reusability making it a promising alternative for ammonia removal from wastewater.

Selective photo-reduction of NO2- to N2 in the presence of Fe2+ and citric acid

The photo-reduction of NO₂^- has received increasing attention due to its high photo-activity. However, the intermediate products of NO₂^- photo-reduction might contain NO_x, which are also toxic pollutants. Herein, a novel strategy to selectively photo-reduce NO₂^- to N₂ was proposed using Fe²⁺ and citric acid (H₃Cit) as assistant to eliminate the formation of NO_x. In this strategy, NO₂^- was firstly reduced to NO by the combination of photon, Fe²⁺ and H₃Cit; the generated NO was then immediately captured by Fe²⁺-H₃Cit to form Fe²⁺-H₃Cit-NO complex; finally, H₃Cit was activated by Fe³⁺ and •OH in Fe²⁺/H₃Cit/UV/NO₂^- system to produce carbon dioxide anion radical (CO₂•^-), which could reduce the NO in Fe²⁺-H₃Cit-NO complex to N₂ with high efficiency and selectivity. The removal efficiencies of NO₂^- and TN were 98.6% and 87.5%, respectively, and the selectivity of N₂ was 81.6% in Fe²⁺/H₃Cit/UV/NO₂^- system after 60-min reaction at initial pH of 2.2, Fe²⁺ dosage of 3.0 mmol·L^-1 and H₃Cit dosage of 3.0 mmol·L^-1. Based on the experimental results and spectral analysis, the mechanism of NO₂^- selective reduction in Fe²⁺/H₃Cit/UV/NO₂^- system was proposed. Our finding provides a new way for wastewater denitrification and water purification.

Ammonia-nitrogen removal from water with gC3N4-rGO-TiO2 Z-scheme system via photocatalytic nitrification-denitrification process

Photocatalytic removal of NH₃-N is expected to be an alternative to the biological method that accompanied with high energy consumption and secondary pollution. However, NH₃-N is always oxidized into nitrate and nitrite during the photocatalytic processes, which also need to be removed from the water. Herein, the g-C₃N₄/rGO/TiO₂ Z-scheme photocatalytic system was prepared and used for the NH₃-N removal. The results showed the rate constant of NH₃-N conversion on it was 0.705 h^-1, 1.7 times as high as that on g-C₃N₄/TiO₂, and most of the NH₃-N were converted into gaseous products. And the experiment result indicated NH₃-N and NO₃^- in water could enhance the removal of each other. According to the results, the main reaction mechanism is speculated as: ·OH radicals and ·O₂^- radicals were generated on TiO₂ and oxidized the NH₃-N into NO₃^-, and the latter was reduced into non-toxic N₂ on the conduction band of g-C₃N₄. Finally, NH₃-N removal performance for actual coking wastewater was investigated, and the stability of the photocatalyst was tested. This work provides some theoretical basis for the two-step degradation of pollutants by Z-scheme photocatalytic system.

Visible light-conducting polymer nanocomposites as efficient photocatalysts for the treatment of organic pollutants in wastewater

This review compiles recent advances and challenges on photocatalytic treatment of wastewater using nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and polymer nanocomposites as photocatalyst. The review provides an overview of the fundamental principles of photocatalytic treatment along the recent advances on photocatalytic treatment, especially on the modification strategies and operational conditions to enhance treatment efficiency and removal of recalcitrant organic contaminants. The different types of photocatalysts along the key factors influencing their performance are also critically discussed and recommendations for future research are provided.

Improved photocatalytic conversion of high-concentration ammonia in water by low-cost Cu/TiO2 and its mechanism study

Platinized TiO₂ (Pt/TiO₂) as a benchmark photocatalyst shows superior photocatalytic performance in environmental remediation. In order to reduce the cost of photocatalyst for practical use, a series of cooper loaded TiO₂ (Cu/TiO₂) photocatalysts were prepared by photoreduction method and compared with pure TiO₂ and Pt/TiO₂ in terms of overall ammonia conversion efficiency and selective oxidation. The as-prepared Cu/TiO₂ samples were characterized and analyzed by physicochemical instrumental measurements. The results show that about 60% Cu²⁺ ions in suspension can be photodeposited onto the surface of TiO₂ under UV light irradiation, and is mainly composed by a mixture of Cu/Cu⁺. The Cu/P25 (0.3 wt% Cu) sample was screened out as the optimal photocatalyst, via photoilluminance spectra analysis and photocatalytic oxidation of ammonia. It shows even better performance compared to Pt/TiO₂ in the oxidation of high concentration of ammonia, due to the strong coordination effect by Cu(NH₃)_n complex formation. Through Electron Spin Resonance (EPR) analysis, and free radical suppression experiments, the active oxidative species account for ammonia oxidation and selective product generation were analyzed, and the possible reaction mechanisms involving photocatalytic ammonia conversion were proposed. ^●OH has been identified as the main oxidant that affects the removal efficiency of ammonia nitrogen, whereas O₂^●- mainly affects the production of N₂ and h⁺ is mainly responsible for the production of NO₃^-. These results indicate that Cu/TiO₂ could be used as a low-cost and efficient photocatalyst in pretreatment process for conversion of high concentration of ammonia in wastewater.

Preparation and characterization of a copper phosphotungstate/titanium dioxide (Cu-H3PW12O40/TiO2) composite and the photocatalytic oxidation of high-concentration ammonia nitrogen

Currently, the majority of wastewater with a high concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺/NH₃) is treated using biological methods, which have poor biodegradability and low removal efficiency. In this paper, a composite photocatalyst of copper phosphotungstate/titanium dioxide (Cu-H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂) was prepared by sol-gel hydrothermal synthesis, and the composite catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-VIS-DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)、scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The photocatalytic oxidation of a high-concentration NH₄⁺/NH₃ solution was carried out under ultraviolet (UV) light to explore the effects of different influencing factors on the photocatalytic effect and to optimize the reaction conditions. The prepared composite catalyst exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than that of TiO₂. When the initial concentration of the solution was 300 mg·L^-1, the initial pH was 11, the catalyst concentration was 1.5 g·L^-1, the loading level of Cu-H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ was 40%, and the aeration rate was 1.5 L·min^-1, the removal rate of NH₄⁺/NH₃ by the composite photocatalyst could reach >80%. Very little NO₂^- and NO₃^- were produced, and N₂ was the main product.