One-step synthesis of melamine-sponge functionalized carbon nitride for excellent water sterilization via photogenerated holes and photothermal conversion

Preparation and characterization of Ru-TiO2/PC/Fe3O4 composite catalyst with enhanced photocatalytic performance and magnetic recoverability under simulated solar light

This research focuses on the development of a novel Ru-doped TiO2/grapefruit peel biochar/Fe3O4 (Ru-TiO2/PC/Fe3O4) composite catalyst, which exhibits exceptional photocatalytic efficacy under simulated solar light irradiation. The catalyst is highly effective in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), as well as actual industrial dye wastewater (IDW), and can be recovered magnetically for multiple reuse cycles. Significantly, the PCTRF-100 sample exhibited degradation efficiencies of 99.4% for RhB and 99.8% for MB within 60 min, and 98.04% for MO within 120 min. In the case of actual dye wastewater, a reduction in chemical oxygen demand from 1540 mg L-1 to 784 mg L-1 was achieved within 300 min, corresponding to a degradation rate of 46.81%. The remarkable photocatalytic activity observed is primarily attributed to the synergistic interactions among Ru-TiO2, biochar, and Fe3O4, which effectively facilitate the separation and migration of electron-hole pairs in TiO2.

Waste Biomass-Mediated Synthesis of TiO2/P, K-Containing Grapefruit Peel Biochar Composites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

In this study, TiO2/P, K-containing grapefruit peel biochar (TiO2/P, K-PC) composites were synthesized in situ biomimetically using grapefruit peel as the bio-template and carbon source and tetrabutyl titanate as the titanium source. This was achieved using the two-step rotary impregnation-calcination method. Adjusting the calcination temperature of the sample in an air atmosphere could regulate the mass ratio of TiO2 to carbon. The prepared samples were subjected to an analysis of their compositions, structures, morphologies, and properties. It demonstrated that the prepared samples were complexes of anatase TiO2 and P, K-containing carbon, with the presence of graphitic carbon. They possessed a unique morphological structure with abundant pores and a large surface area. The grapefruit peel powder played a crucial role in the induction and assembly of TiO2/P, K-PC composites. The sample PCT-400-550 had the best photocatalytic activity, with the degradation rate of RhB, MO, and MB dye solutions reaching more than 99% within 30 min, with satisfactory cyclic stability. The outstanding photocatalytic activity can be credited to its unique morphology and the efficient collaboration between TiO2 and P, K-containing biochar.

Progress of disinfection catalysts in advanced oxidation processes, mechanisms and synergistic antibiotic degradation

Human diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms make people pay more attention to disinfection. Meanwhile, antibiotics can cause microbial resistance and increase the difficulty of disease treatment, resulting in risk of triggering a vicious circle. Advanced oxidation process (AOPs) has been widely studied in the field of synergistic treatment of the two contaminates. This paper reviews the application of catalytic materials and their modification strategies in the context of AOPs for disinfection and antibiotic degradation. It also delves into the mechanisms of disinfection such as the pathways for microbial inactivation and the related influencing factors, which are essential for understanding the pivotal role of catalytic materials in disinfection principles by AOPs. More importantly, the exploratory research on the combined use of AOPs for disinfection and antibiotic degradation is discussed, and the potential and prospects in this field is highlighted. Finally, the limitations and challenges associated with the application of AOPs in disinfection and antibiotic degradation are summarized. It aims to provide a starting point for future research efforts to facilitate the widespread use of advanced oxidation processes in the field of public health.