In situ treatment of organic pollutants in water using photoelectrocatalysis

Saim Emin (Author), Takwa Chouki (Author), Manel Machreki (Author)

Abstract

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) approach has emerged as a promising advanced oxidation process to remove organic pollutants in water environment. Here, we report a novel method for the preparation of hematite (α-Fe2O3) thin films by using a combination of spin-coating and heat-treatment approaches. Firstly, a solution containing iron precursor was spin-coated on fluorine doped tin oxide substrates and later heat-treated at 750º C to generates a porous film.1 The α-Fe2O3 thin films were studied as a catalyst in PEC water oxidation and textile dye degradation system We applied the α-Fe2O3 thin films in PEC degradation of a textile Basic Blue 41 (B41) dye. Efficient PEC degradation of B41 dye is demonstrated in the presence of reactive chlorine species (RCS) under LED illumination (λex  400 nm, 20 W) and 1.5 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode applied potential. In addition to Fe2O3, we also grew TiO2 nanotubes on titanium plate using the so-called anodization approach. We applied the obtained TiO2 thin films in PEC degradation of B41 dye. In addition to the B41 textile dye, we used also used the TiO2 nanotubes for degradation of anti-inflammatory drugs. Various operation parameters, including anodic potential, pH, electrolytes and concentration of dye, were investigated to determine the optimal experimental conditions. The degradation of B41 was remarkably enhanced by in situ generated RCS. Recycling test revealed that α-Fe2O3 photoanode shows good activity and excellent stability during B41 degradation. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis coupled with UV-VIS system and gas-chromatography/liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detector confirmed the degradation of B41 dye and the evolution of by-product. Phytotoxicity test using Lepidium sativum L showed that treated waters are safe to be discharged in the environment.

Keywords

photoelectrocatalysis;Fe2O3 thin films;basic blue dye 41;

Data

Language:	English
Year of publishing:	2022
Typology:	1.10 - Published Scientific Conference Contribution Abstract (invited lecture)
Organization:	UNG - University of Nova Gorica
UDC:	53
COBISS:	221830659
Views:	78
Downloads:	0
Average score:	0 (0 votes)
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Other data

Pages:	1 str.
ID:	25660618