Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), either naturally occurring or discharged from anthropogenic sources, is highly carcinogenic. California recently set new drinrking water standard of 10 μg/L for Cr(VI). Effective treatment typically transforms Cr(VI) to the essentially non-toxic trivalent form Cr(III). In this study, TiO2 nanocrystals with highly reductive capacity was synthesized by cost-effective thermal hydrolysis reactions. Electrons released from the conduction band of TiO2 efficiently reduced Cr(VI) to Cr(III) under UV irradiation. The intrinsic nanostructures of the synthesized TiO2 trapped the photo-generated holes and donated electrons. This unique feature also avoided the introduction of excess organic scavengers and made the photcatalyst applicable for drinking water treatment with low-level Cr(VI). Fast elimination of Cr (VI) was achieved on the time scales of seconds. The outcome of this study will lead to the development of a cost-effective and highly efficient technology for hexavalent chromium removal.

Development and application of highly reductive TiO2 photocatalyst for hexavalent chromium removal

251st National Meeting (2016)

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