Two-Dimensional Nanostructures in the World of Advanced Oxidation Processes

Waste iron as a robust and ecological catalyst for decomposition industrial dyes under UV irradiation

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, it is very important to work towards eliminating or at least reducing as many harmful industrial substances as possible. However, the implementation of green chemistry methods for wastewater treatment can be difficult especially due to complexity, the high cost of reagents, and the required long process time. This paper focuses on using waste iron (WI) to remove two kinds of amaranth dye commonly used in industry. To enhance the process, UV irradiation and hydrogen peroxide were used. The novelty of the research was the use of efficient and reusable WI as a heterogeneous catalyst in the process. WI material characteristics was done before and after the process using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Zeta potential, size characterization, circularity, and direct band gap were also determined. As a result of treatment complete decolorization of both dyes was achieved, as well as 99% absorbance removal after 15-min process time. The total organic carbon (TOC) decrease after 60-min process time was in the range from 86.6 to 89.8%. Modified pseudo-second-order reaction reflects obtained results of treatment efficiency. Treatment results, confirmed by WI material characterization, indicate satisfactory stability of the catalyst and good oxidation capacity.

Retrospective on Exploring MXene-Based Nanomaterials: Photocatalytic Applications

Nanostructural two-dimensional compounds are grabbing the attention of researchers all around the world. This research is progressing quickly due to its wide range of applications in numerous industries and enormous promise for future technological breakthroughs. Growing environmental consciousness has made it vital to treat wastewater and avoid releasing hazardous substances into the environment. Rising consumer expectations have led to the emergence of new, frequently nonbiodegradable compounds. Due to their specific chemical and physical properties, MXenes have recently been identified as promising candidates. MXenes are regarded as a prospective route for environmental remediation technologies, such as photocatalysis, adsorption, and membrane separation, and as electrocatalytic sensors for pollution recognition because of their high hydrophilicity, inherent chemical nature, and robust electrochemistry. The development of catalysts based on MXene materials for the photocatalytic breakdown of pharmaceutical wastes in polluted water is critically evaluated in this study. With an emphasis on the degradation mechanism, the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics using MXenes and MXene-based nanocomposites is explained in depth. We emphasize the significant difficulties in producing MXenes and their composites, as well as in the degradation of drugs. The successful use of MXenes in water filtration and suggestions for future study are also presented.