Microwave-assisted valorization of pig bristles: towards visible light photocatalytic chalcocite composites

Abstract

Waste valorization for the production of valuable materials is of great importance for a sustainable development. Herein, a new green methodology for the synthesis of photocatalytically active copper sulfide (Cu2S) carbon composites using pig bristles is reported. The catalyst was prepared via microwave-assisted methodology using ethylene glycol as solvent, pig bristles as sulfur and carbon source, and copper chloride as metal precursor. Cu2S carbon composites (denoted as pb-Cu2S, where "pb" states for "pig bristle") were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, EDX and UV-Vis spectroscopy. In order to validate the practical utilization of pig bristles-derived chemicals , the photocatalytic degradation of methyl red using pb-Cu2S was investigated under white, blue, green and red visible light irradiation. Electronic Supplementary Information (ESI) available: The scheme of the photoreactor; the complete list of XPRD peaks; EDX mapping results; N2 adsorption−desorption isotherm of pb-Cu2S; See

Environmental Catalysis: Present and Future

“…(B) and (C) Photocatalytic experiments results. Adapted with permission of ref . Copyright, Royal Society.…”

“…Figure 19 A and B shows the suitable use of pig bristles (a residue that currently does not have a clear alternative of valorization) as sulphur and carbon source for the synthesis of copper sulfide carbon composites (defined by authors such as pb-Cu 2 S). [171] These materials were studied during the degradation of methyl red using as source of illumination; red, green and white light supplied by LEDs. As can be seen in Figure 19 B, the obtained pb-Cu 2 S overperform the activity of the commer-cial reference P25-titania under all visible illumination condition tested.…”

“…In particular, a notable improvement of the selectivity to benzaldehyde from benzyl alcohol was detected for samples in with titania was modified with wheat bran residues. [172] Electronic wastes are also an interesting source to obtain photocatalysts. [173][174][175] In a representative example, a nano-Cu 2 O/TiO 2 photocatalyst from waste printed circuit boards was obtained by electrokinetic process.…”

“…[172] Electronic wastes are also an interesting source to obtain photocatalysts. [173][174][175] In a representative example, a nano-Cu 2 O/TiO 2 photocatalyst from waste printed circuit boards was obtained by electrokinetic process. [174] There is a lot of waste potentially useful for obtaining this kind of material.…”

“…[182] In particular, calculation on Local Rate of Photon Absorption (superficial or volumetric) can be used for both calculations of quantum efficiency and intrinsic kinetic analysis. The intrinsic kinetic analysis is especially relevant for the [171] Copyright, Royal Society. Adapted with permission of ref.…”