Pilot- plant study for the photocatalytic/electrochemical degradation of Rhodamine B. Issue 2 (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baldisserri, Carlo; Ortelli, Simona; Blosi, Magda; Costa, Anna Luisa
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 6:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 1794
• Page End: 1804
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Ceramized fabric -- Photocatalysis -- Pd-doped TiO2 anode -- Electrochemical oxidation -- Rhodamine B; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2018.02.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: TiO2 -ceramized fabric used for the photocatalytic breakdown of Rhodamine B. Combined photocatalytic/electrochemical breakdown adding Pd-doped TiO2 /Ti anodes. 95% breakdown achieved in Na2 SO4 supporting electrolyte over three hours. CO3 2− and HCO3 − ions impair the photocatalytic performance of the ceramized fabric. Abstract: The combined photocatalytic/electrochemical breakdown performance of Rhodamine B dye in DI water and Na-based electrolytes was investigated in a 10 L semi-pilot flow reactor fitted with a Pd-doped TiO2 /Ti anode and a photocatalytic TiO2 ceramized fabric sleeve. The combined photocatalytic/electrochemical degradation performance was evaluated in Na2 CO3, (Na2 CO3 + NaCl), NaHCO3, and Na2 SO4 supporting electrolytes, and compared with that obtained by the electrochemical and photocatalytic processes alone. It was found that electrolytes containing CO3 2− and HCO3 − ions impair the photocatalytic performance of the TiO2 ceramized fabric, whereas the Na2 SO4 supporting electrolyte does not, thus allowing a synergetic action of the electrochemical and photocatalytic Rhodamine B degradation processes. Over three hours, 80% degradation efficiency was obtained in a NaHCO3 supporting electrolyte, while nearly 100% degradation efficiency was obtained in a Na2 SO4 supporting electrolyte. Under the electrochemical regime of this work (5 VDC cell potential and 3.2 A cell current), Rhodamine B degradation was exceedingly fast (∼100% in 1 h) in NaCl-containing electrolyte owing to electrochemical chlorination of the solution. Kinetics and process-related costs are also briefly discussed.