Photocatalysts in Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment

by Elvis Fosso-Kankeu

Description

Photocatalysts in Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment comprehensively covers a range of topics aiming to promote the implementation of photocatalysis at large scale through provision of facile and green methods for catalysts synthesis and elucidation of pollutants degradation mechanisms. This book is divided into two main parts namely “Synthesis of effective photocatalysts” (Part I) and “Mechanisms of the photocatalytic degradation of various pollutants” (Part II). The first part focuses on the exploration of various strategies to synthesize sustainable and effective photocatalysts. The second part of the book provides an insights into the photocatalytic degradation mechanisms and pathways under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation, as well as the challenges faced by this technology and its future prospects.

ISBN-13: 1119631394

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Language: English

Publish Year: 2020

This book provides a comprehensive overview of photocatalysis as a robust advanced oxidation process (AOP) for wastewater treatment, addressing the global challenge of water pollution from persistent organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals, and industrial effluents. It meticulously details how semiconductor materials, when exposed to light, generate electron-hole pairs that initiate a series of redox reactions. These reactions lead to the formation of highly reactive species, predominantly hydroxyl radicals, capable of mineralizing a wide array of recalcitrant contaminants into less harmful byproducts like carbon dioxide and water. The core thesis underscores the potential of photocatalytic AOPs to offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative or complement to conventional wastewater treatment methods, which often fall short in degrading complex or emerging pollutants.

The text delves into the fundamental principles governing photocatalytic processes, including light absorption, charge separation and recombination, and surface reaction kinetics. It explores various types of photocatalysts, with a significant focus on titanium dioxide (TiO2) due to its excellent photoactivity, stability, non-toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the book examines strategies for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency, such as doping with metals or non-metals, surface modification, heterojunction formation, and the development of novel composite materials to improve light absorption in the visible spectrum, reduce electron-hole recombination, and increase catalyst stability and reusability. It also covers the design and optimization of photocatalytic reactors, considering factors like light intensity, catalyst loading, pH, and the presence of radical scavengers, which are crucial for practical applications.

Beyond theoretical aspects and material science, the book extends to the practical applications and challenges associated with implementing photocatalytic AOPs in real-world wastewater treatment scenarios. It discusses case studies, performance evaluation metrics, and the advantages and limitations of this technology, including issues such as catalyst separation, potential secondary pollution from intermediates, and scalability for large-volume industrial effluents. Ultimately, "Photocatalysts in Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment" serves as a critical resource for researchers, engineers, and environmental scientists, providing insights into the current state-of-the-art and future directions for developing efficient, economically viable, and sustainable photocatalytic solutions for global water scarcity and pollution problems.

Looking to add this masterpiece to your bookshelf? Compare prices and buy directly using our trusted partners:

As an Associate, BOOKLOVE earns from qualifying purchases. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.