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Kuspanov Z, Baglan B, Baimenov A, Issadykov A, Yeleuov M, Daulbayev C. Photocatalysts for a sustainable future: Innovations in large-scale environmental and energy applications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 885:163914. [PMID: 37149164 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The growing environmental and energy crises have prompted researchers to seek new solutions, including large-scale photocatalytic environmental remediation and the production of solar hydrogen using photocatalytic materials. To achieve this goal, scientists have developed numerous photocatalysts with high efficiency and stability. However, the large-scale application of photocatalytic systems under real-world conditions is still limited. These limitations arise at every step, including the large-scale synthesis and deposition of photocatalyst particles on a solid support, and the development of an optimal design with high mass transfer and efficient photon absorption. The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed description of the primary challenges and potential solutions encountered in scaling up photocatalytic systems for use in large-scale water and air purification and solar hydrogen production. Additionally, based on a review of current pilot developments, we draw conclusions and make comparisons regarding the main operating parameters that affect performance, as well as propose strategies for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengisbek Kuspanov
- Satbayev University, 050013 Almaty, Kazakhstan; Institute of Nuclear Physics, 050032 Almaty, Kazakhstan; Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 141980 Dubna, Russian Federation
| | - Bakbolat Baglan
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, 050032 Almaty, Kazakhstan; Al Farabi Kazakh National University, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Alzhan Baimenov
- Al Farabi Kazakh National University, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan; National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, 010000 Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Aidos Issadykov
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, 050032 Almaty, Kazakhstan; National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, 010000 Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Mukhtar Yeleuov
- Satbayev University, 050013 Almaty, Kazakhstan; Institute of Nuclear Physics, 050032 Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Chingis Daulbayev
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, 050032 Almaty, Kazakhstan; National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, 010000 Astana, Kazakhstan.
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Matter F, Niederberger M. The Importance of the Macroscopic Geometry in Gas-Phase Photocatalysis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105363. [PMID: 35243811 PMCID: PMC9069382 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Photocatalysis has the potential to make a major technological contribution to solving pressing environmental and energy problems. There are many strategies for improving photocatalysts, such as tuning the composition to optimize visible light absorption, charge separation, and surface chemistry, ensuring high crystallinity, and controlling particle size and shape to increase overall surface area and exploit the reactivity of individual crystal facets. These processes mainly affect the nanoscale and are therefore summarized as nanostructuring. In comparison, microstructuring is performed on a larger size scale and is mainly concerned with particle assembly and thin film preparation. Interestingly, most structuring efforts stop at this point, and there are very few examples of geometry optimization on a millimeter or even centimeter scale. However, the recent work on nanoparticle-based aerogel monoliths has shown that this size range also offers great potential for improving the photocatalytic performance of materials, especially when the macroscopic geometry of the monolith is matched to the design of the photoreactor. This review article is dedicated to this aspect and addresses some issues and open questions that arise when working with macroscopically large photocatalysts. Guidelines are provided that could help develop novel and efficient photocatalysts with a truly 3D architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Matter
- Laboratory for Multifunctional MaterialsDepartment of MaterialsETH ZurichVladimir‐Prelog‐Weg 5Zurich8093Switzerland
| | - Markus Niederberger
- Laboratory for Multifunctional MaterialsDepartment of MaterialsETH ZurichVladimir‐Prelog‐Weg 5Zurich8093Switzerland
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Fan W, Li Y, Wang C, Duan Y, Huo Y, Januszewski B, Sun M, Huo M, Elimelech M. Enhanced Photocatalytic Water Decontamination by Micro-Nano Bubbles: Measurements and Mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7025-7033. [PMID: 33944552 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c08787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advancements in photocatalysis enabled by materials science innovations, the application of photocatalysts in water treatment is still hampered due to low overall efficiency. Herein, we present a TiO2 photocatalytic process with significantly enhanced efficiency by the introduction of micro-nano bubbles (MNBs). Notably, the removal rate of a model organic contaminant (methylene blue, MB) in an air MNB-assisted photocatalytic degradation (PCD) process was 41-141% higher than that obtained in conventional macrobubble (MaB)-assisted PCD under identical conditions. Experimental observations and supporting mechanistic modeling suggest that the enhanced photocatalytic degradation is attributed to the combined effects of increased dissolution of oxygen, improved colloidal stability and dispersion of the TiO2 nanocatalysts, and interfacial photoelectric effects of TiO2/MNB suspensions. The maximum dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of the MNB suspension (i.e., 11.7 mg/L) was 32% higher than that of an MaB-aerated aqueous solution (i.e., 8.8 mg/L), thus accelerating the hole oxidation of H2O on TiO2. We further confirmed that the MNBs induced unique light-scattering effects, consequently increasing the optical path length in the TiO2/MNB suspension by 7.6%. A force balance model confirmed that a three-phase contact was formed on the surface of the bubble-TiO2 complex, which promoted high complex stability and PCD performance. Overall, this study demonstrates the enhanced photocatalytic water decontamination by MNBs and provides the underlying mechanisms for the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fan
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Yuhang Li
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Chunliang Wang
- School of Physics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yutong Duan
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Yang Huo
- School of Physics, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Brielle Januszewski
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| | - Meng Sun
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
| | - Mingxin Huo
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Menachem Elimelech
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8286, United States
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Farid M, Mirvet A, Nacera YM. Degradation of Atenolol in a Rectangular Staircase Photocatalytic Reactor with Immobilized ZnO. Chem Eng Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ceat.202000206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madjene Farid
- Unité de Développement des Equipements Solaires, UDES Centre de Développement des Energies Renouvelables, CDER 42415 Tipaza Algérie
| | - Assassi Mirvet
- Université Mohamed El Bachir El Ibrahimi Bordj Bou Arreridj Algérie
| | - Yeddou-Mezenner Nacera
- Laboratoire de Génie de la Réaction Faculté de Génie Mécanique et Génie des Procédés, USTHB BP 32 Alger Algérie
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Zheng Q, Aiello A, Choi YS, Tarr K, Shen H, Durkin DP, Shuai D. 3D printed photoreactor with immobilized graphitic carbon nitride: A sustainable platform for solar water purification. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 399:123097. [PMID: 32540711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Solar-energy-enabled photocatalysis is promising for sustainable water purification. However, photoreactor design, especially immobilizing nano-sized photocatalysts, remains a major barrier preventing industrial-scale application of photocatalysis. In this study, we immobilized photocatalytic graphitic carbon nitride on chitosan to produce g-C3N4/chitosan hydrogel beads (GCHBs), and evaluated GCHB photoreactivity for degrading phenol and emerging persistent micropollutants in a 3D printed compound parabolic collector (CPC) reactor. The CPC photocatalytic system showed comparable performance with slurry reactors for sulfamethoxazole and carbamazepine degradation under simulated sunlight, and it maintained the performance for contaminant removal in real water samples collected from water/wastewater treatment plants or under outdoor sunlight irradiation. Global drinking water production was estimated for the CPC system, and it holds promise for small-scale sustainable water treatment, including, but not limited to, the production of high-quality potable water for single houses, small communities, rural areas, and areas impacted by natural disasters in both developed and developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinmin Zheng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
| | - Ashlee Aiello
- Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402, United States
| | - Yoon Sil Choi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
| | - Kayla Tarr
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
| | - Hongchen Shen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
| | - David P Durkin
- Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402, United States.
| | - Danmeng Shuai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States.
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