Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elissa Makhoul, Madona Boulos, Marc Cretin, Geoffroy Lesage, Philippe Miele, David Cornu, Mikhael Bechelany
Summary: This review focuses on the removal methods and influencing factors of organic pollutants in water, with a particular emphasis on pharmaceutical pollutants, especially paracetamol. The advantages and performance of electro-oxidation, photocatalysis, and sulfate radicals are discussed, with a focus on a unique anode material, calcium copper titanate (CCTO), and its synthesis techniques, modifications, and applications for water remediation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Clayton Farrugia, Alessandro Di Mauro, Frederick Lia, Edwin Zammit, Alex Rizzo, Vittorio Privitera, Giuliana Impellizzeri, Maria Antonietta Buccheri, Giancarlo Rappazzo, Maurice Grech, Paul Refalo, Stephen Abela
Summary: Photocatalysis is a promising technology for environmental remediation, with TiO2 arrays showing excellent performance under different experimental conditions. Nanotubes synthesized in an electrolyte based on ethylene glycol exhibit the best performance in degrading pollutants and have high antibacterial activity. Increasing voltage results in wider and longer nanotubes, enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the material.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Felipe Silerio-Vazquez, Jose B. Proal Najera, Jochen Bundschuh, Maria T. Alarcon-Herrera
Summary: This study provides insights into the potential application of solar heterogeneous photocatalysis for arsenic removal from water, highlighting its oxidation and removal mechanisms for arsenic. The analysis includes lab-scale experiments and solar-powered operations in various reactor designs. Challenges in technology translation and reactor design were identified, emphasizing the need for further research in these areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ting Huang, Xiaomin Tang, Shixin Zhang, Wei Wang, Jie Zhang, Xuemei Tan, Huaili Zheng
Summary: This study successfully achieved efficient removal of methylene blue using a novel photocatalysis/algal degradation hybrid technology, with improved treatment efficiency through pretreatment and a combination of adsorption, photocatalysis, and biological degradation. Mechanism analysis focused on the adsorption mechanism of modified titanium dioxide and the essential role of coagulant in collecting the modified titanium dioxide.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
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
Environmental Sciences
Emine Basturk, Mustafa Karatas
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of nano TiO2 in removing endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and found that under specific conditions, nano TiO2 can significantly enhance the removal of target pollutants. The results show that the Ozone/TiO2/UV process is favorable for engineering applications in removing EDCs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anna N. Walsh, Michael G. Mazzotta, Taylor F. Nelson, Christopher M. Reddy, Collin P. Ward
Summary: Sunlight can chemically transform marine plastics into various products, but the impact of these light-driven transformations on microbial degradation is not well understood. This study examined the interplay between photochemical and biological degradation of cellulose diacetate (CDA) fabrics, revealing that photodegradation enhanced biodegradation and that the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) accelerated the process. These findings highlight the importance of plastic formulation on its environmental fate and suggest that the synergy between photochemical and biological degradation should not be overlooked in assessing marine plastic persistence.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Guojun Dong, Xiang Cheng, Yingpu Bi
Summary: A hierarchical bottom-up approach for fabricating TiO2 nanorod arrays with an Au nanolayer and Sn3O4 cocatalysts is demonstrated in this study, showing significantly enhanced photocurrent density under AM 1.5G irradiation. The enhanced PEC properties are attributed to spatial charge separation among the Au nanolayer and Sn3O4 cocatalysts, offering new insights for rational design and construction of highly efficient TiO2-based PEC devices for solar water splitting.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kang Yang, Gang Zhou
Summary: This study presents a new single-atom Co catalyst for hydrogen evolution and investigates its hydrogen spillover effect. The results show that single-atom Co in the surface interstices exhibits higher activity and has potential applications in hydrogen chemical reactions.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Duran, Jose Maria Montegudo, D. Castillo, Antonio J. Exposito
Summary: In this study, different irradiation sources and reaction systems were tested for the removal of the pharmaceutical drug Furaltadone in water, and the UV/PS system showed the best mineralization performance. In the heterogeneous phase, the UVA/TiO2/PS method changed the mineralization mechanism. An economic study revealed that the Solar/TiO2/PS method had the lowest operation costs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
HyukSu Han, Sung- Moon, Seunggun Choi, Enkhbayar Enkhtuvshin, So Jung Kim, Sun Young Jung, Nguyen Thi Thu Thao, Taeseup Song
Summary: In this study, plasma treatment was utilized for surface engineering of TiO2 nanotubes, creating porous and partially amorphized surface and effectively modulating the electronic configuration for improved photocatalytic activity. The enhanced charge transport and light-absorption in TiO2 nanotubes after ion plasma treatment, in combination with nanoporous structure, leads to significantly higher photocatalytic efficiency, potentially offering a pathway for designing next-generation high-performance photocatalysts.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Cristina Collivignarelli, Marco Carnevale Miino, Hamed Arab, Massimiliano Bestetti, Silvia Franz
Summary: The study found that photoelectrocatalysis had a better effect on the removal of chemical oxygen demand and color compared to photolysis and photocatalysis, with higher specific biodegradability rate. At the laboratory scale, the energy demand of photoelectrocatalysis was significantly lower than the other two tested processes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guoqiang Cao, N. Aaron Deskins, Nan Yi
Summary: The study demonstrates that nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide can enhance the catalytic performance of copper-titanium dioxide catalysts, especially in the carbon monoxide oxidation reaction. The different nitrogen modifications on rutile and anatase titanium dioxide phases lead to diverse reaction outcomes.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
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
Chemistry, Analytical
Qiu-Yue Cheng, Ting Wang, Jun Hu, Hong-Yuan Chen, Jing-Juan Xu
Summary: Visible-light-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising method for organic transformations. However, accurately detecting and identifying photogenerated species, especially short-lived radical intermediates, remains challenging. In this work, a hybrid ion emitter integrated with a pico-liter heterogeneous photocatalytic reactor was developed for the rapid identification of transient radical intermediates produced under visible-light irradiation. This novel coupling device provides a powerful tool for exploring complex heterogeneous photochemical processes and their ultrafast initial transformations.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Burcu Yavuz, Brielle Januszewski, Tengfei Chen, Anca G. Delgado, Paul Westerhoff, Bruce Rittmann
Summary: The concentration-response relationship between the germination outcome of radish and ozonated petroleum residuals was experimentally determined. A risk assessment model was developed based on the outcomes to predict the additional risk of adverse effects. Different doses of ozone gas were used to treat a test soil mixed with raw crude oil, and the measurements of total petroleum hydrocarbons and dissolved organic carbon were taken. The logistic regression model showed that the variables controlling germination were DOC, TREATMENT, and b-ORGANIC.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Naushita Sharma, Chao Zeng, Andrew Eaton, Tanju Karanfil, Amlan Ghosh, Paul Westerhoff
Summary: This study investigates the concentrations of bromine and iodine species in drinking water sources and wastewater effluents in the United States. The results show that bromide and iodide were present in both surface water and groundwater samples, with higher concentrations in groundwater. Inorganic iodine species were predominant in groundwater samples, while organic iodine species contributed to a significant portion of total iodine in surface water samples. The study also observed seasonal cycling of iodine species in lakes. There was a strong correlation between bromine and iodine in surface water samples.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Engineering, Chemical
Larah Kriselle B. Paragas, Van Dien Dang, Rama Shanker Sahu, Sergi Garcia-Segura, Mark Daniel G. de Luna, Jose Antonio I. Pimentel, Ruey-An Doong
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alexsandro J. dos Santos, Haruna L. Barazorda-Ccahuana, Griselda Caballero-Manrique, Yvens Cheremond, Patricio J. Espinoza-Montero, J. Ricardo Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Ulises J. Jauregui-Haza, Marcos R. V. Lanza, Andrea Najera, Carla Oporto, Andres Perez Parada, Tzayam Perez, Valeria Delgado Quezada, Veronica Rojas, Velia Sosa, Abdoulaye Thiam, Ricardo A. Torres-Palma, Ronald Vargas, Sergi Garcia-Segura
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Correction
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alexsandro J. dos Santos, Haruna L. Barazorda-Ccahuana, Griselda Caballero-Manrique, Yvens Cheremond, Patricio J. Espinoza-Montero, J. Ricardo Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Ulises J. Jauregui-Haza, Marcos R. V. Lanza, Andrea Najera, Carla Oporto, Andres Perez Parada, Tzayam Perez, Valeria Delgado Quezada, Veronica Rojas, Velia Sosa, Abdoulaye Thiam, Ricardo A. Torres-Palma, Ronald Vargas, Sergi Garcia-Segura
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yong-Gu Lee, Jaegwan Shin, Seung Joon Kim, Kyung Hwa Cho, Paul Westerhoff, Hojung Rho, Kangmin Chon
Summary: This study systematically investigated the organic fouling characteristics of hollow fiber ultrafiltration (HFUF) and multibore ultrafiltration (MBUF) membranes from long-term ultrafiltration (UF) membrane systems. The results showed that hydrophobic dissolved organic matter (DOM) controlled the fouling of HFUF membranes, while hydrophilic DOM, including polysaccharide-like and protein-like matter, promoted fouling of MBUF membranes. The decline in performance of MBUF membranes due to fouling layer formation was more severe than that of HFUF membranes. Alkaline-based cleaning agent was found to be more efficient in recovering the performance of fouled MBUF membranes, highlighting the importance of adequate cleaning strategies for preventing performance deterioration in the p-UHMS.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Omar Alrehaili, Ana S. Fajardo, Sergi Garcia-Segura, Paul Westerhoff
Summary: Innovations in reactor geometry can lower energy requirements for electrolysis and degrade environmental pollutants. Microfluidic devices with high electrode surface area to solution volume ratios minimize mass transfer limitations and decrease energy requirements.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Ersan, Gabriel Antonio Cerron-Calle, Mahmut S. Ersan, Sergi Garcia-Segura
Summary: Adsorptive separation technologies are effective in removing organic contaminants from aqueous water. The breakthrough of contaminants pose a challenge in regeneration of spent adsorbents. Electrochemically induced regeneration has the potential to overcome these challenges and provide a sustainable solution. This review critically evaluates the fundamental aspects of in situ electro-regeneration for spent carbons and discusses specific examples related to emerging contaminants.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Juliana Levi, Sujin Guo, Shalinee Kavadiya, Yihao Luo, Chung-Seop Lee, Hunter P. Jacobs, Zachary Holman, Michael S. Wong, Sergi Garcia-Segura, Chen Zhou, Bruce E. Rittmann, Paul Westerhoff
Summary: This study compared four different methods for reducing nitrate in water and selected the most effective one. The results showed that the method of delivering Pd/In nanoparticles directly to the catalyst-film through gas-permeable hollow-fiber membranes had the least palladium loss and remained active over multiple operational cycles.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kuichang Zuo, Sergi Garcia-Segura, Gabriel A. Cerron-Calle, Feng-Yang Chen, Xiaoyin Tian, Xiaoxiong Wang, Xiaochuan Huang, Haotian Wang, Pedro J. J. Alvarez, Jun Lou, Menachem Elimelech, Qilin Li
Summary: Electrified processes provide a chemical-free solution for removing a wide range of contaminants from water, including those difficult to treat using conventional methods. This review presents the principles of several electrified water treatment processes and emphasizes the importance of electrode materials in contaminant transport and transformation.
NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabriel Antonio Cerron-Calle, Ana S. Fajardo, Jingyue Liu, Carlos M. Sanchez-Sanchez, Sergi Garcia-Segura
Summary: Fertilizers are crucial in the food-energy-water nexus. The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction for ammonia production is a promising alternative to centralized processes. However, the challenge lies in finding affordable and selective electrocatalysts.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ana S. Fajardo, Paul Westerhoff, Sergi Garcia-Segura, Carlos M. Sanchez-Sanchez
Summary: This article discusses how electrolyte engineering can control the selectivity and kinetics of electrochemical reduction of nitrate (ERN). The presence of different alkali cations in the solution has a significant impact on the removal rate of nitrate and the product selectivity. By tuning the electrode-electrolyte interface with suitable cations, a significant shift in product selectivity from Ngas to ammonia production can be achieved. Additionally, solutions containing Cs+ show a approximately 2-fold decrease in electrical energy per order compared to solutions containing Li+.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andre L. Magdaleno, Gabriel A. Cerron-Calle, Alexsandro J. dos Santos, Marcos R. V. Lanza, Onur G. Apul, Sergi Garcia-Segura
Summary: This study proposes the use of oxygen nanobubbles to enhance the gas efficiency of electrogeneration of H2O2, and finds that nanobubbles have a higher gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient compared to macrobubbles. Additionally, the reaction yield of electrogeneration of H2O2 is improved under the influence of nanobubbles.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabriel Antonio Cerron-Calle, Alexsandro J. dos Santos, Marcos R. V. Lanza, Ming-Chun Lu, Sergi Garcia-Segura
Summary: The presence of arsenic in groundwater is a barrier to accessing safe clean water for everyone, even at low concentrations it poses a high risk to human health. Electrified technologies such as electrocoagulation, electrodialysis, and electrosorption are emerging as decentralised water treatment alternatives to manage arsenic pollution. This article presents the principles, limitations, and technology readiness level classification of these upcoming systems, and discusses the challenges associated with the difference between environmental arsenic concentrations and lab-scale tested concentrations. Finally, an outlook and perspective are provided.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Raul Jose Alves Felisardo, Enric Brillas, Eliane Bezerra Cavalcanti, Sergi Garcia-Segura
Summary: This study reports the remediation of CIP in synthetic urine using electrochemical oxidation with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode. The results show that the ECO process with a BDD anode generates hydroxyl radicals and free chlorine as effective oxidants for CIP removal. Uric acid is completely oxidized, while urea and creatinine are partially destroyed. The TOC reduction rate is moderate under specific pH and current density conditions.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
