Photodegradation of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride [Bmim]Cl via Synergistic Effect of Adsorption–Photodegradation of Fe-TiO2/AC

Abstract

Ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted interest among researchers due to their tunable properties, which enable them to be used in a wide variety of applications. However, toxicity and biodegradation studies of ILs proved that most of the aromatic ILs, such as imidazolium, are highly toxic and non-biodegradable. Researchers have investigated several advance oxidation processes (AOPs) in order to evaluate the efficiency of the systems used to remove ILs from wastewater. However, their relatively high cost and environmental concerns have limited the application of these AOPs in industry. This research conducted a photocatalytic study using hybrid nanomaterials to evaluate the efficiency of this system as an alternative AOP system for the removal of ILs from wastewater. The synergistic effect of adsorption-photodegradation was introduced by depositing Fe-TiO 2 onto functionalized activated carbon (AC). Nano-TiO 2 was synthesized using the microemulsion method, then modified with a transition metal, and deposited onto oxidized AC. The photodegradation reaction of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [bmim]Cl was then investigated under simulated visible light irradiation. It was observed that the overall efficiency of the system increased with the increasing amount of Fe loading. Our investigation revealed that extrinsic factors such as solution pH, the initial concentration of ILs, and photocatalyst dosage significantly affect the overall efficiency of the system. The optimum condition for the system was observed at pH 10, with initial ILs at 1 mM at 1 g/L of photocatalyst. The best performance photocatalyst was 0.2Fe-TiO 2 /AC.

The development of biomass-derived carbon-based photocatalysts for the visible-light-driven photodegradation of pollutants: a comprehensive review

“…The interesting combination of biomass-derived carbon and semiconductors to form hybrid photocatalysts has been demonstrated to be a "wise form of cooperation" which simultaneously possesses synergistic effects relating to both adsorption and photodegradation processes in an advanced oxidation process system. 2,22 This unique technique has recently demonstrated potential progress; however, the potential of these interesting hybrids has rarely been reported to date. Below, we summarize recent advances related to preparing biomass-derived carbon-based photocatalysts for environmental photocatalytic degradation applications using the visible spectrum range.…”

“…To address these drawbacks, one effective and innovative technique used recently is doping and constructing heterojunctions with biomass-derived carbon materials. 21,22 Carbonbased nanostructured materials possess a high degree of porosity, tunable structures, large BET surface areas, high charge carrier mobility, good recycling characteristics, and high stability, making them appropriate support frames for catalysts. 23 More importantly, the utilization of biomass waste as a carbon-rich precursor for producing activated carbon is becoming much more attractive, as it can be considered a "green" solution, overcoming serious issues related to waste disposal and lowering raw materials costs.…”

Effect of Cu doping on the photocatalytic activity of InVO4 for hazardous dye photodegradation under LED light and its mechanism

“…The MB removal profiles are shown in Figure 7(a). At pH values below the PZC of the 0.13Cu-InVO 4 (pH 2.4), the surface of the catalyst will be protonated and becomes positively charged, whereas, at pH values above 2.4, the concentration of OH À ions in the MB solution will increase and cause the deprotonation of the catalyst surface and amplify a negatively charged catalyst surface (Zawawi et al 2017). The removal of MB was highest when the pH was increased from pH 2 to pH 6.…”

“…In addition, solar light contains 29.7-34.4 W m À2 UV, whereas the UV light was not detected in the LED light. The combination of visible and UV light can produce more reactive oxygen species compared to visible light alone (Zawawi et al 2017). Hence, higher photocatalytic activity was observed.…”

Photocatalytic Degradation of Ammonia with Titania Nanoparticles under UV Light Irradiation

“…Below this value, the surface is positively charged; beyond this value, it is negatively charged. So normally, it is always easier to adsorb a cation on a negatively charged surface, and an anion on a positively charged surface (Zawawi et al 2017). Therefore, at pH <pHzpc, the surface charge of the catalyst is positive and at pH> pHzpc it is negative .…”