Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Min Huang, Shuyi Zhang, Bo Wu, Xing Yu, Yongping Gan, Tiejun Lin, Fei Yu, Yuhan Sun, Liangshu Zhong
Summary: A tunable band structure W-doped TiO2 photocatalyst was designed for the photocatalytic oxidation of methane to C-1 oxygenates using O-2 at low temperature. The W-doping improved the photocatalytic performance, achieving a liquid oxygenates productivity of 12.2 mmol g(-1) and a selectivity of 99.4%. Additionally, the selectivity of COx was effectively decreased from 21.2% to 0.6%. W-doping not only enhanced light absorption but also promoted the separation of photo-generated carriers, improving methane conversion.
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
M. Coto, S. C. Troughton, P. Knight, R. Joshi, R. Francis, R. Kumar, T. W. Clyne
Summary: UV treatments are commonly used for pollutant removal in industrial water. Introducing a suitable photocatalyst can enhance energy efficiency by producing reactive oxygen species to degrade pollutants. TiO2 is a common photocatalyst for UV illumination, often created through Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) of titanium substrates. High surface roughness and area on PEO samples enhance photocatalytic activity by disrupting fluid flow and increasing interaction between pollutants and the catalytic surface.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Min Huang, Shuyi Zhang, Bo Wu, Yao Wei, Xing Yu, Yongping Gan, Tiejun Lin, Fei Yu, Fanfei Sun, Zheng Jiang, Liangshu Zhong
Summary: In this study, a novel Cu and W codoped TiO2 photocatalyst was fabricated to achieve selective photooxidation of methane into oxygenates at ambient temperature, with limited formation of CO2. The Cu-W-TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited high productivity and selectivity, and its improved performance was attributed to the modulation of electronic and band structure, which facilitated methane activation and hindered overoxidation of oxygenates.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ethan Dern Huang Kong, Jenny Hui Foong Chau, Chin Wei Lai, Cheng Seong Khe, Gaurav Sharma, Amit Kumar, Suchart Siengchin, Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay
Summary: Water pollution is a global issue that conventional methods struggle to solve, but photocatalysis, especially with GO/TiO2 composites, shows promising results in wastewater treatment.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Devagi Kanakaraju, Feniellia Diwvya anak Kutiang, Ying Chin Lim, Pei Sean Goh
Summary: This review primarily discusses and evaluates the recent progress in the modification of Ag/TiO2, focusing on co-doping with non-metals and transition metals and the synthesis strategies for engineering the materials. The effects of doping and co-doping on the induced chemical and physical properties, photocatalytic performance, stability, and recyclability aspects are highlighted. The potential improvement of Ag/TiO2 through the addition of green materials is also examined, and recommendations for further research opportunities, limitations, and challenges are suggested.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alejandra Romero-Moran, Jose L. Sanchez-Salas, Joel Molina-Reyes
Summary: The study established the influence of the crystalline phase and agglomeration degree of TiO2 nanoparticles on photocatalytic hydroxyl radical formation and bacterial inactivation in TiO2/SiO2 composite coatings. A relationship between hydroxyl radicals' formation and charge carrier transfer mechanism between defect levels in SiO2 and TiO2 embedded nanoparticles was established through a simple spectroscopic method. This correlation complements the lack of mechanisms behind the photocatalytic activity in TiO2/SiO2 composites.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Leonilde Marchao, Jose R. Fernandes, Ana Sampaio, Jose A. Peres, Pedro B. Tavares, Marco S. Lucas
Summary: The study demonstrates that cultivating microalgae in winery wastewater can effectively increase biomass growth and remove pollutants, with Chlorella vulgaris performing well under mixotrophic conditions. Photocatalytic treatment can efficiently remove COD and polyphenols from wastewater, ensuring compliance with legal standards for release into superficial water courses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heba A. A. El-Gawad, Ebrahiem Esmail Ebrahiem, Montaser Y. Y. Ghaly, Ahmed A. A. Afify, R. M. Mohamed
Summary: This study demonstrates that photo-catalytic oxidation is a promising technique for treating simulated oily wastewater. Factors such as initial oil concentration, catalyst dose, stirring speed, pH value, and hydrogen peroxide dose were investigated for their impact on the degradation rate. It was found that the optimal operating parameters for oil removal were an initial oil concentration of 1 g/L, stirring speed of 850 rpm, pH of 8, 3 mL of hydrogen peroxide, and 1.5 g/L of titanium dioxide, resulting in a removal percentage of 98.43% after 40 minutes of irradiation. The application of these parameters to industrial oily wastewater resulted in a 99% oil removal rate after 40 minutes of reaction time with the addition of 3 mL of hydrogen peroxide.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
D. V. Mashtalyar, I. M. Imshinetskiy, K. V. Nadaraia, A. S. Gnedenkov, S. N. Suchkov, D. P. Opra, E. V. Pustovalov, A. Yu Ustinov, S. L. Sinebryukhov, S. V. Gnedenkov
Summary: A comprehensive study was conducted on the properties of coatings formed on a magnesium alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) using electrolytes with nanosized particles of anatase (titanium dioxide). The formed coatings exhibit a 2.5-fold reduction in corrosion current density and a 25% increase in hardness compared to coatings without particles. Confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of anatase and rutile phases in the PEO coating composition due to the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles during plasma electrolytic treatment. The presence of titanium dioxide has a positive effect on the photocatalytic properties of the coatings, with a 1.6-fold and 1.8-fold increase in the constant rate of methyl orange and methyl blue decomposition, respectively, compared to coatings formed without TiO2 particles.
JOURNAL OF MAGNESIUM AND ALLOYS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Raimondo Germani, Marzia Bini, Simona Fantacci, Federica Simonetti, Matteo Tiecco, Eleonora Vaioli, Tiziana Del Giacco
Summary: The study indicated that tetraalkylammonium bromide surfactants significantly enhance the efficiency of TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of dyes, with various factors such as initial pH, dye pK's, water type, and light source influencing the process. The hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between dye and surfactant/TiO2 in different forms of aggregation play a crucial role in explaining the surfactant effect on the photodegradation process.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dandan Peng, Ying Zhang, Guang Xu, Ye Tian, Di Ma, Yao Zhang
Summary: The enhanced visible light absorption, effective charge separation, and the presence of carbon all contribute significantly to the improvement of the photocatalytic performance of NiS1.03@C/N-TiO2 heterojunction photocatalysts for cyclohexane oxidation.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mairis Iesalnieks, Raivis Eglitis, Talis Juhna, Krisjanis Smits, Andris Sutka
Summary: This study successfully prepared a transparent titanium dioxide coating on plastic substrates and demonstrated its high performance in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The coating can be applied to polymer substrates and exhibits good stability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mikhail Lyulyukin, Tikhon Filippov, Svetlana Cherepanova, Maria Solovyeva, Igor Prosvirin, Andrey Bukhtiyarov, Denis Kozlov, Dmitry Selishchev
Summary: This study confirms that solid uranium oxycompounds and uranyl-grafted materials on nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 exhibit higher photocatalytic activity under visible light, with a significantly higher reaction efficiency compared to commercial photocatalysts.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
L. Cano-Casanova, A. Anson-Casaos, J. Hernandez-Ferrer, A. M. Benito, W. K. Maser, N. Garro, M. A. Lillo-Rodenas, M. C. Roman-Martinez
Summary: In this study, a series of nanostructured boron-TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized and the effects of boron loading and crystallization temperature on their properties and catalytic performance were investigated. The results showed that the presence of boric acid affected the formation of the nanostructure, and the best-performing catalysts had lower boron loading.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marta Bettoni, Stefano Falcinelli, Cesare Rol, Marzio Rosi, Giovanni Vittorio Sebastiani
Summary: An experimental and theoretical investigation was conducted on the microscopic mechanism of VOCs photocatalytic elimination by TiO2, revealing the involvement of an electron transfer step as the rate-determining one. K and k values for various VOCs were determined through experiment and calculations, providing new insights into the process.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gloria Amo-Duodu, K. S. Buthelezi, S. Rathilal, T. P. Mahlangu, M. N. Chollom, E. K. Tetteh
Summary: Energy-driven wastewater treatment plants have gained attention from environmental and process engineers. This study evaluated the effect of a magnetic field on the biochemical methane potential of wastewater treatment using magnetic nanoparticles. The results showed that the system exposed to the magnetic field had better performance in terms of biogas generation and the treatability of the wastewater.
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gloria Amo-Duodu, Sudesh Rathilal, Martha Noro Chollom, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh
Summary: This study investigates the impact of two synthesized magnetic nanoparticles (AlFe2O4 and MgFe2O4) on biogas production. The results show that the systems containing magnetic nanoparticles have higher degradation of chemical oxygen demand and methane yield compared to the control group. Therefore, the application of magnetic nanoparticles in anaerobic digestion systems can enhance the efficiency of biogas production.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Nomthandazo Precious Sibiya, Gloria Amo-Duodu, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Sudesh Rathilal
Summary: Improving the coagulation process using nanotechnology with a magnetic field has been found to be useful for quick recoverability and reducing health and environmental risks associated with synthetic coagulants in water and wastewater treatment. In this study, magnetite rice starch (MS) and aluminum sulfate (alum) were utilized as low-cost coagulants, showing more than 65% contaminants removal (turbidity and TSS) and 30% COD removal using alum, while MS exhibited better performance with 80% contaminants removal (turbidity and TSS) and 50% COD removal. Moreover, the use of MS together with MF resulted in over 3% increase in contaminants removal (COD, turbidity, and TSS).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nhlanganiso Ivan Madondo, Sudesh Rathilal, Babatunde Femi Bakare, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh
Summary: The use of magnetite nanoparticles and a static magnetic field in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) showed great potential in increasing the oxygen reduction potential and promoting microbial electron transfer. The MFCMM digester achieved the highest biogas production of 545.2 mL/g VSfed, which was significantly higher than the control. Moreover, the MFCMM exhibited high contaminant removal rates for various parameters. The application of magnetite nanoparticles and static magnetic field in MFC demonstrated promising results for bioelectrochemical methane production and contaminant removal.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nhlanganiso Ivan Madondo, Sudesh Rathilal, Babatunde Femi Bakare, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh
Summary: A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is used in wastewater treatment to generate electrical energy through microbial activity. This study evaluated the effect of electrode spacing on MFC performance. The results showed that MFC performance improved when the electrode spacing increased from 2.0 cm to 6.0 cm, but decreased after 6.0 cm. Therefore, electrode spacing is a factor that affects MFC performance, with 6.0 cm spacing showing the greatest potential for biogas generation and wastewater degradation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siphesihle Mangena Khumalo, Babatunde Femi Bakare, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Sudesh Rathilal
Summary: This study optimized the parameters for the treatment of brewery wastewater using central composite design and response surface methodology. The experimental results showed that chitosan had a high efficiency in removing turbidity, total organic carbon, and orthophosphates in brewery wastewater under the optimal conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caressa Munien, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Timaine Govender, Shivek Jairajh, Liberty L. L. Mguni, Sudesh Rathilal
Summary: Water resources are depleting, making the availability of clean, potable water a global concern. This study investigates and optimizes the photocatalytic treatment of wastewater using titanium dioxide as the photocatalyst. The effects of reaction time, mixing speed, and catalyst load on wastewater treatment were evaluated, and the optimal conditions were determined using response surface methodology. The results showed high efficiency in turbidity and COD removal, with UV light being more effective than visible light.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lindokuhle Ngema, Devona Sathiyah, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Sudesh Rathilal
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is an ancient technology that converts organic matter into biogas without the presence of oxygen. This study focuses on improving the digestion of industrial wastewater to produce biogas and treat water for reuse. By using an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, the effects of influent chemical oxygen demand (CODin), hydraulic retention time (HRT), and magnetic nanoparticles (magnetite) on biogas production and COD elimination were investigated. The addition of magnetite significantly enhanced the microbial activity and resulted in high biogas production. The findings suggest the potential of this technology for bioenergy production and solving wastewater and fossil fuel challenges.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Nhlanganiso Ivan Madondo, Sudesh Rathilal, Babatunde Femi Bakare, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh
Summary: The application of magnetite-nanoparticles and a microbial fuel cell (MFC) on anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge was studied. The results showed that the digester with a resistor of 500 ohm performed the best in terms of biogas production, electrochemical efficiency, voltage generation, and contaminant removal. This digester also had the highest annual energy profit. The findings suggest that the use of magnetite-nanoparticles and MFC in AD of sewage sludge holds great promise for biogas production and contaminant removal.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Achisa C. Mecha, Martha N. Chollom, Bakare F. Babatunde, Emmanuel K. Tetteh, Sudesh Rathilal
Summary: Increased affordability, smaller footprint, and high permeability quality have led to more widespread use of membranes in water treatment. However, the limitations of membrane pore size restrict their effectiveness in removing smaller matter and harmful microorganisms. The incorporation of nanoparticles in membranes shows promise for improving disinfection, permeability, and reducing fouling.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Siphesihle Mangena Khumalo, Thobeka Pearl Makhathini, Joseph Kapuku Bwapwa, Babatunde Femi Bakare, Sudesh Rathilal
Summary: The recent surge in the use of pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), due to the emergence of novel viruses like coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to their introduction into water bodies through various means. These emerging contaminants are persistent and pose health risks to humans and aquatic life. This study provides a comprehensive review on the occurrence and fate of selected pharmaceuticals in surface water and their potential remediation techniques. The study also identifies knowledge gaps and future perspectives in this field.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nhlanganiso Ivan Madondo, Sudesh Rathilal, Babatunde Femi Bakare, Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh
Summary: The application of a bioelectrochemical system together with anaerobic additives can promote both direct and indirect interspecies electron transfer, leading to higher removal of toxic pollutants and conversion of biomass to renewable energy. This review explores the synergistic effect of bioelectrochemical systems and anaerobic additives on the anaerobic digestion of complex substrates. It highlights the mechanisms and limitations of conventional anaerobic digestion and the applicability of additives in various activities of the digestion process. The findings suggest that a bioelectrochemical system coupled with nanomaterial additives can increase biogas-methane potential compared to anaerobic digestion, indicating the potential prospects of this system for wastewater treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
