Review
Environmental Sciences
Muyan Wu, Haibao Huang, Dennis Y. C. Leung
Summary: This review summarizes recent studies on the use of VUV catalytic oxidation for degrading VOCs. All the processes involved in VUV catalytic oxidation and their combinations have been reviewed, and the principles and strategies of catalyst development and mechanistic studies for VOCs degradation are summarized. Two directions for prospective future work are also proposed.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yawei Qu, Tijian Wang, Cheng Yuan, Hao Wu, Libo Gao, Congwu Huang, Yasong Li, Mengmeng Li, Min Xie
Summary: The rapid development of Chinese cities has led to increasing air pollution. While efforts have been made to control PM2.5 pollution, O3 pollution and the synergistic pollution of PM2.5 and O3 have become more serious. Through a study on the chemical interaction mechanisms between PM2.5 and O3, this research provides insights into the contribution of different mechanisms in different seasons and regions, which is important for understanding the synergistic pollution mechanism and coordinating the control of urban air pollution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ana Amoros-Perez, Maria Angeles Lillo-Rodenas, Maria del Carmen Roman-Martinez, Patricia Garcia-Munoz, Nicolas Keller
Summary: TiO2 and TiO2-activated carbon photocatalysts were prepared and tested for the removal of diuron from water. The carbon content was found to influence the removal efficiency, with the sample containing the highest carbon content showing the highest removal rate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara Maria Borges Ribeiro, Renato Carajelescov Nonato, Tania Miyoko Fujimoto, Bianca Gvozdenovic Medina Bricio, Ursula Luana Rochetto Doubek, Edson Tomaz
Summary: This study focused on achieving high toluene degradation using heterogeneous photocatalysis in the presence of ozone, and found that ozone concentration influenced VOC degradation. It was observed that toluene degradation reached a plateau over the reactor length, indicating oversized reactor in some cases, while ozone concentration and toluene reaction rate decreased over the reactor length.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hyungyu Lee, Sanghoo Park, Joo Young Park, Jinwoo Kim, Wonho Choe
Summary: We numerically demonstrate that photolytic processes induced by external UV sources significantly affect the chemical properties of plasma-water systems. Exposure of plasma-treated water (PTW) to UV leads to the photolysis of long-lived species and the formation of hydroxyl radical (OH) and nitric oxide (NO). The concentration of OH and NO in PTW is greatly enhanced under UV exposure, making it an attractive approach to increase the reactivity and applicability of PTW.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Juan C. Garcia-Prieto, Luis A. Gonzalez-Burciaga, Jose B. Proal-Najera, Manuel Garcia-Roig
Summary: The degradation mechanism of NH4+/NH3 in aqueous solutions by heterogeneous photocatalysis and photolysis was studied, and the results showed that the highest degradation was achieved at high pH and high lamp irradiation power. The experimental data supported a parallel reactions mechanism, and indicated a low influence of surface phenomena on the reaction rate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mahsa Motamedi, Laleh Yerushalmi, Fariborz Haghighat, Zhi Chen, Yanbin Zhuang
Summary: This study compared the application of photocatalytic reaction (PCR) and photolysis (PL) for the degradation of 2,2,4,4-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47). The results showed that photocatalytic oxidation using TiO2/LED/N2 was effective in the degradation of BDE-47.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yiting Zeng, Jin Zeng, Zhenwei Luo, Jiahao Pan, Yuxia Luo, Jun Liu, Chunying Wang
Summary: This study reveals the synergistic degradation of bromate and ammonia nitrogen under UV irradiation or UV/TiO2 conditions. Both pollutants can effectively transform in a neutral environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Salima Tlemsani, Zoubida Taleb, Laurence Pirault-Roy, Safia Taleb
Summary: This study aimed to optimize the catalytic degradation of Diuron in an aqueous solution using Algerian sodium Montmorillonite as the catalyst with H2O2. Results showed that a mixture of Mont-Na and H2O2 significantly increased the degradation rate of Diuron at 25 degrees C and pH 6.3, with 3,4-dichloroaniline as the only by-product.
CLEAN-SOIL AIR WATER
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jakub Rusek, Michal Baudys, Omri Toker, Sarka Pausova, Yaron Paz, Josef Krysa
Summary: Three methods were used to fabricate composite TiO2/CeO2 films for the photocatalytic removal of polar dye Acid Orange 7 and non-polar herbicide monuron. The first method involved the optimization of a paste containing TiO2 particles and CeO2 precursors, which was then deposited on glass. The second method included the deposition of thin layers of CeO2 by spray coating over a TiO2 photocatalyst layer. The third method involved modifying a TiO2 film with an overlayer based on SiO2 and tetraethoxysilane. The overlayer significantly improved the mechanical properties of the coating.
PHOTOCHEMICAL & PHOTOBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jakub Rusek, Michal Baudys, Sarka Pausova, Yaron Paz, Josef Krysa
Summary: This study focuses on the effects of modifying hydrophilic TiO2 photocatalyst with hydrophobic rare-earth oxides (REOs) on the kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of polar and non-polar substances. The results show that the addition of REOs particles can enhance the degradation rate of non-polar substances, and all types of photocatalysts have a positive impact on overall mineralization.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jinhui Gao, Ying Li, Zhouqing Xie, Bo Hu, Lili Wang, Fangwen Bao, Shidong Fan
Summary: This study quantifies the impact of aerosols on ozone by influencing photolysis rates. The results show that the decrease in aerosol concentrations caused by photolysis rates has led to an increase in ozone, but this is not the primary contributor to the current changes in ozone over the study region. However, in winter, photolysis rates still play a significant role in the formation of high ozone episodes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jung-Shan Hsu, Ting-Yu Yu, Da-Jiun Wei, Wann-Neng Jane, Yi-Tang Chang
Summary: A novel chitosan immobilization technique has been developed for the decomposition of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in a clay slurry microcosm. This technique successfully integrates photolysis, photocatalysis, and biodegradation to remove BDE-209. The immobilization beads have enough mechanical strength to maintain their shape during degradation while undergoing continuous UVA irradiation at a stirring rate of 200-rpm. This method shows great potential for the treatment of various pollutants.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pramila Murugesan, Duggirala Krishna Brunda, J. A. Moses, C. Anandharamakrishnan
Summary: Photocatalytic decontamination has shown great potential in removing mycotoxins, with clear explanations of its mechanisms and degradation pathways. Recent reports have highlighted its effectiveness against a range of mycotoxins.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Muyan Wu, Yingguang Zhang, Haibao Huang, Dennis Y. C. Leung
Summary: This study investigates the application of CeO2 nanorods in vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) catalytic oxidation for toluene degradation. The results show that the synergistic effects of ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UV-PCO) and ozone catalytic oxidation (OZCO) play a role in the removal of toluene and COx generation. However, the combination of UV-PCO and OZCO (UV-OZCO) does not improve mineralization. Furthermore, the study reveals the generation of hydroxyl radical (center dot OH) and the inhibition of superoxide radical (center dot O-2(-)) in the UV-OZCO process, leading to lower mineralization level of toluene.
GREEN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Erika Nascimben Santos, Akos Fazekas, Cecilia Hodur, Zsuzsanna Laszlo, Sandor Beszedes, Daniele Scheres Firak, Tamas Gyulavari, Klara Hernadi, Gangasalam Arthanareeswaran, Gabor Vereb
Summary: This study utilized a central composite design to analyze how different fabrication conditions affect the pure water flux, pore size, and photocatalytic activity of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. The results indicated that the concentration of PVDF and the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) significantly influenced the performance of the membranes.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Zsejke-Reka Toth, Alexandra Feraru, Diana Debreczeni, Milica Todea, Radu A. A. Popescu, Tamas Gyulavari, Alina Sesarman, Giorgiana Negrea, Dan C. C. Vodnar, Klara Hernadi, Zsolt Pap, Lucian Baia, Klara Magyari
Summary: The study investigates the influence of transformations of silver species in the human body on bioactivity and antibacterial activity. The results show that the high concentration of NaCl in the simulated body fluid leads to the formation of silver nanoparticles. The presence of Ag+ ions facilitates the transformation of silver compounds through the formation of AgCl crystals on the surface.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nikita Sharma, Kata Saszet, Tamas Szabo, Daniel Karajz, Imre Miklos Szilagyi, Seema Garg, Zsolt Pap, Klara Hernadi
Summary: The use of plant extracts in photocatalysis for the removal of phenol under visible light has been explored. The plant extracts act as structural and shape-tailoring agents, leading to improved performance of the bismuth oxyhalides. BiOI with Azadirachta indica and BiOBr with Camellia sinensis extract show high phenol removal efficiency. The role of organics from the plant extracts and their correlation with the structural and optical properties are discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elias Jigar Sisay, Szabolcs Kertesz, Akos Fazekas, Zoltan Jakoi, Endre Zsolt Kedves, Tamas Gyulavari, Aron Agoston, Gabor Vereb, Zsuzsanna Laszlo
Summary: This study explored the performance of composite photocatalytic membranes made from multiple nanoparticles (TiO2, carbon nanotubes, BiVO4) and polyvinylidene fluoride. These membranes exhibited excellent resistance to fouling, low filtration resistance, high flux, and good flux recovery ratio compared to the pristine membrane. Salinity, pH, and lactose concentration were found to be key factors affecting filtration resistance and rejection performance during the ultrafiltration of dairy wastewater. Lactose in the wastewater increased irreversible resistance and significantly reduced COD rejection during ultrafiltration. Regeneration of fouled photocatalytic membranes was achieved through visible light irradiation, with the membrane containing all constituents showing the best regeneration performance, surpassing the pristine membrane by 30%.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohammed Alktranee, Mohammed Ahmed Shehab, Zoltan Nemeth, Peter Bencs, Klara Hernadi
Summary: This study investigates the use of a novel TiO2-CuO hybrid nanofluid to reduce the temperature of PV cells, thus improving the energy and efficiency of PVT systems. The experiment shows that the hybrid nanofluid can reduce the temperature of the PV module by 39% and improve the electrical power and overall efficiency by 77.5% and 58.2% respectively, at a concentration of 0.3 vol%. The study also demonstrates the positive effects of the hybrid nanofluid cooling on the system's entropy generation and economic analysis.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tuende Alapi, Bence Veres, Mate Nafradi, Luca Farkas, Zsolt Pap, Anett Covic
Summary: Persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes using BiOX photocatalysts have been investigated for the removal of organic pollutants under UV and visible light radiation. BiOI showed higher efficiency in PDS activation compared to BiOBr and BiOCl, and all BiOX catalysts exhibited enhanced activity for 1,4-hydroquinone transformation. The transformation of sulfamethoxypyridazine was driven by direct charge transfer, with a less pronounced effect of PDS. BiOI demonstrated efficient degradation of various organic substances under visible light radiation, and its efficiency was further enhanced by PDS addition.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Viktoria Marta, Zsolt Pap, Eniko Bardos, Tamas Gyulavari, Gabor Vereb, Klara Hernadi
Summary: Bismuth oxybromides with varying urea amounts were synthesized through a solvothermal method. The influence of urea ratio on the morpho-structural properties and photocatalytic activity of the samples was investigated. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and surface tension measurements were employed. The urea ratio had a significant effect on the morphology, particle size distribution, and photoactivity of the samples, but a limited effect on the crystalline composition, primary crystallite size, and band gap of bismuth oxybromides. The formation of Bi-based complexes and degraded urea-based products were found to influence the band gap energies and, consequently, the photoactivity. Samples prepared at low urea ratios exhibited the highest degradation efficiency for both rhodamine B and ibuprofen under both UV and visible light irradiations.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dhiyaa A. Hussein Al-Timimi, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Adnan A. AbdulRazak, Mohammed Ahmed Shehab, Zoltan Nemeth, Klara Hernadi
Summary: This study aims to optimize operating parameters of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) fabricated from polyethersulfone (PES) and silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) or modified silica NPs with polyethylenimine (PEI) (SiO2-g-PEI NPs) for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. The results showed that SiO2 MMMs had a permeate flux of 38.27 LMH and 81.26% MBV rejection, while SiO2-g-PEI MMMs had a permeate flux of 104.11 LMH and 99.00% MBV rejection. The optimal parameters for SiO2 MMMs were SiO2 wt % of 0.8447%, MBV concentration of 98.18 ppm, and pH of 4, while the optimal parameters for SiO2-g-PEI MMMs were SiO2-g-PEI wt% of 0.93%, MBV concentration of 22.7 ppm, and pH of 4.79.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Fekete, Akos Ferenc Fazekas, Cecilia Hodur, Zsuzsanna Laszlo, Aron Agoston, Laszlo Janovak, Tamas Gyulavari, Zsolt Pap, Klara Hernadi, Gabor Vereb
Summary: Membrane filtration is an effective technique for separating micro- and nano-sized oil droplets from oil-contaminated waters. The flux reduction is a challenge for its extensive application, thus the development of antifouling membranes is necessary. The modification of PVDF membranes with TiO2/CNT nanocomposites (2% CNT) showed the highest reduction in filtration resistance and the highest fluxes compared to unmodified membranes, resulting in improved flux recovery ratio and purification efficiency.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raghad M. Al-Maliki, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Sama Al-Jubouri, Adnan A. AbdulRazak, Mohammed Ahmed Shehab, Zoltan Nemeth, Klara Hernadi, Hasan Sh. Majdi
Summary: In this study, tungsten oxide and graphene oxide (GO-WO2.89) were combined using the ultra-sonication method and embedded with polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) to prepare low-fouling membranes for ultrafiltration. The modified PPSU membrane with 0.1 wt.% GO-WO2.89 exhibited the best characteristics, including a contact angle of 40.82 degrees and a porosity of 92.94%. It also had the highest permeation flux and BSA rejection rate. Additionally, the GO-WO2.89 composite showed positive antibacterial performance at different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mahitha Udayakumar, Nikita Sharma, Klara Hernadi, Matjaz Finsgar, Blaz Likozar, Kocserha Istvan, Mate Lesko, Daniel Attila Karajz, Imre Miklos Szilagyi, Zoltan Nemeth
Summary: Multicomponent nanocomposites of bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) with porous carbon foam (CF) derived from waste polyurethane (PU) elastomers were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and their photocatalytic performance was investigated. The composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV-A irradiation, with a high overall removal efficiency of 99.0% in 100 min of irradiation. The enhanced activity of the composites was attributed to the well-connected heterojunction interface, improved hydrophilicity, more reactive sites, and effective separation of photogenerated charges.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mate Nafradi, Tunde Alapi, Bence Veres, Luca Farkas, Gabor Bencsik, Csaba Janaky
Summary: The persulfate-based advanced oxidation process is a promising method for degrading organic pollutants. The combination of TiO2 and ZnO photocatalysts with PDS enhances the efficiency. ZnO is more efficient in PDS conversion and SO4 center dot- generation than TiO2. The interaction between O-2, PDS, and TRIM and their competition for photogenerated charges are important factors to consider. SO4 center dot- and center dot OH both play essential roles in the transformation. The negative impact of biologically treated domestic wastewater is due to the radical scavenging capacity of Cl- and HCO3-, but the positive effect of PDS compensates for this.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammed Alktranee, Mohammed Ahmed Shehab, Zoltan Nemeth, Peter Bencs, Klara Hernadi
Summary: Recently, the use of nanofluids as coolants for photovoltaic modules has gained attention due to the ability to enhance the performance of the modules. This study investigates the use of zirconium oxide nanofluid at different volume concentrations as a coolant for reducing the temperature of photovoltaic cells. The results show that using zirconium oxide nanofluid at a volume concentration of 0.0275% in deionized water effectively reduces the temperature of the PV module and improves system energy and exergy efficiency.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kadhum M. Shabeeb, Wallaa A. Noori, Ali A. Abdulridha, Hasan Sh Majdi, Mohammad N. Al-Baiati, Ali A. Yahya, Khalid T. Rashid, Zoltan Nemeth, Klara Hernadi, Qusay F. Alsalhy
Summary: A newly developed water-soluble polymeric nano-additive called PCLNPG has been used as a pore former to modify a polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane for dye removal. The study found that the content of PCLNPG in the membrane affected its surface characteristics, morphological structure, and overall performance. Increasing the PCLNPG content improved the hydrophilicity and porosity of the membrane. Additionally, the increased porosity of the membrane was the main reason for the reduced contact angle. The prepared membrane with 3% PCLNPG showed significantly improved water flux and dye rejection, making it a potential option for treating textile wastewater.
