Nanotechnology has been extensively studied for a long time to enhance the treatment efficiency of different contaminants in the environment. Nanostructured semiconducting catalysts are still being developed and applied for the decomposition of micropollutants in the environment. They are usually used as catalysts or photocatalysts as a type of advanced oxidation technologies to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can easily attack and break down the micropollutants. Photocatalysts could generate ROS when UV or a light source with different wavelength are illuminated. Catalysts can activate different oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide, persulfate, peroxymonosulfate (PMS), and chlorine to produce ROS in advanced oxidation processes for the removal of recalcitrant organic compounds in water and wastewater.  In this study, different semiconducting photocatalysts and catalysts were synthesized with conventional combustion methods and characterized by various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and a porosimetry analysis. Moreover, their photocatalytic and catalytic properties were evaluated for decomposing different refractory micropollutants in water and wastewater. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples was evaluated under UV, solar, and/or visible light illumination. The oxidant activation by the catalysts was investigated using PMS as an oxidant to decompose different recalcitrant micropollutants.  Results of the characterization of the synthesized nanostructured semiconducting photocatalysts and catalysts and their photocatalytic and catalytic activities for decomposing persistent micropollutants in water and wastewater will be presented in detail.

Nanostructured semiconducting catalysts for environmental remediation

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.