Heterogeneous Catalysts for Organic Wastewater Treatment

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2024) | Viewed by 22770

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources Centre, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
2. Laboratori d'Electroquímica dels Materials i del Medi Ambient, Departament de Química Física, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: electrocatalysis; electro-fenton; wastewater treatment
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Guest Editor
1. School of Civil Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Dujiangyan 611800, China
2. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
Interests: biochar, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs); wastewater treatment; drinking water treatment; natural organic matter; disinfection byproducts (DBPs)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will cover a wide range of heterogeneous catalysis and diverse heterogeneous catalytic processes for wastewater treatment. Research topics include but are not limited to the following:

  • Design and synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts, such as Fe-based catalysts, Fe-free metal catalysts, and carbon-based catalysts;
  • Structure, morphology, performance, and synthesis and reaction mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysis;
  • Applications of diverse heterogeneous catalytic processes for wastewater treatment, such as heterogeneous catalytic ozonation, electro-Fenton, heterogeneous Fenton or Fenton-like, and adsorption processes.

This Special Issue introduces state-of-the-art research on “Heterogeneous Catalysts for Organic Wastewater Treatment” to promote altruistic collaboration between China and international researchers.

Submit your paper and select the Journal “Catalysts” and the Special Issue “Heterogeneous Catalysts for Organic Wastewater Treatment” via: MDPI submission system. Please contact the Guest Editors or the journal editor () for any queries. Our papers will be published on a rolling basis and we will be pleased to receive your submission once you have finished it.

Dr. Fengxia Deng 
Dr. Xiaoxiao Zhang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • heterogeneous catalysts
  • organic wastewater treatment
  • Fe-based catalysts
  • Fe-free metal catalysts
  • carbon-based catalysts

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3365 KiB  
Article
Study on the Degradation Effect of Tetracycline Using a Co-Catalyst Loaded on Red Mud
by Yang Yue, Qu Wu, Chaofan Zheng, Yongjun Sun and Kinjal J. Shah
Catalysts 2024, 14(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14020133 - 8 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1436
Abstract
Red mud was modified by impregnation with Co element loading. The Co-RM catalyst was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and UV full-band scanning. The results showed that the modified Co-RM catalyst successfully loaded the Co [...] Read more.
Red mud was modified by impregnation with Co element loading. The Co-RM catalyst was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and UV full-band scanning. The results showed that the modified Co-RM catalyst successfully loaded the Co element and formed an irregular pore structure on the surface, thereby increasing the number of active sites of the red mud catalyst and effectively improving the degradation efficiency of tetracycline. Under the optimal conditions of a catalyst dosage of 0.3 g/L, a persulfate dosage of 3 g/L, a reaction temperature of 50 °C, and a pH value of 7, a removal rate of 50 mg/L of tetracycline can be achieved: 89.5% after 90 min. The effects of common anions and humic acids in water, as well as radical quenchers (anhydrous ethanol and tert-butanol), on the degradation of tetracycline were investigated. The results showed that Cl, CO32−, HCO3, H2PO4, NO32−, HPO42−, and humic acids showed inhibitory effects on the degradation of tetracycline, while SO42− showed a promoting effect on the degradation of tetracycline. The free radical quenching experiment showed that the most important free radicals that can degrade tetracycline in the system are sulfate radicals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysts for Organic Wastewater Treatment)
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14 pages, 4610 KiB  
Article
Biomass Mediated Synthesis of ZnO and ZnO/GO for the Decolorization of Methylene Blue under Visible Light Source
by Salma Ahmed Al-Zahrani, Khalid Umar, Saleh Ali Tweib, Jebrel Abdeljawad M. Rashd, Saima Khan Afridi, Showkat Ahmad Bhawani, Ahmed Al Otaibi, Najat Masood, Dorsaf Mansour, Anish Khan and Manikandan Ayyar
Catalysts 2023, 13(2), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13020409 - 14 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2298
Abstract
In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) as well as ZnO/GO (zinc oxide/graphene oxide) were successfully synthesized. The Carica papaya leaf extract was used to synthesize ZnO and oil palm empty fruit bunch biomass to obtain graphene, which was further used to obtain graphene [...] Read more.
In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) as well as ZnO/GO (zinc oxide/graphene oxide) were successfully synthesized. The Carica papaya leaf extract was used to synthesize ZnO and oil palm empty fruit bunch biomass to obtain graphene, which was further used to obtain graphene oxide. The samples were characterized through a variety of analytical methods such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–Visible spectroscopy in order to understand their morphology, size, structural phase purity, functional groups and optical properties. Various peaks such as O-H, Zn-OH and Zn-O were found in the case of ZnO. Some additional peaks, such as C-C and C=C, were also been detected while analyzing the sample by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results of the XRD and SEM studies demonstrated that the synthesized material shows the crystalline nature of the substance in the case of ZnO, and the crystallinity decreases for ZnO/GO. The average crystallite size was found to 80.0 nm for ZnO and 74.0 nm for ZnO/GO. Further, a red shift was shown in the case of ZnO/GO, which was indicated by the UV–Vis absorption spectrum. In the TEM analysis, the particles were shown to be nanosized. For instance, the highest number of particles was found in the range of 100 to 120 nm in the case of ZnO, while 80–100 nm sized particles were found for ZnO/GO. Using synthesized ZnO and ZnO/GO, the decolorization of methylene blue was found to be 64% and 91%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysts for Organic Wastewater Treatment)
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14 pages, 5850 KiB  
Article
Solvent-Free Mechanochemical Preparation of Metal-Organic Framework ZIF-67 Impregnated by Pt Nanoparticles for Water Purification
by Mahya Afkhami-Ardekani, Mohammad Reza Naimi-Jamal, Samira Doaee and Sadegh Rostamnia
Catalysts 2023, 13(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13010009 - 22 Dec 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4348
Abstract
In this study, the crystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) ZIF-67 was obtained using the solvent-free ball milling method, which is a fast, simple, and economical green method without the need to use solvents. Using the impregnation method, platinum metal ions were loaded in the [...] Read more.
In this study, the crystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) ZIF-67 was obtained using the solvent-free ball milling method, which is a fast, simple, and economical green method without the need to use solvents. Using the impregnation method, platinum metal ions were loaded in the MOF cavities. Various descriptive methods have been used to explain the prepared Pt@ZIF-67 compound, such as FTIR, BET, TEM, SEM, EDS, XRD, TGA, and ICP. Based on this, the results showed that Pt nanoparticles (0.26 atom%) were located inside the pores of ZIF-67. In addition, no evidence supports their accumulation on the MOF surface. The efficiency of Pt@ZIF-67 was approved in the reduction of toxic and harmful nitrophenol compounds in water. The results showed that the removal of 4-nitrophenol in aqueous medium was successfully achieved with 94.5% conversion in an optimal time of 5 min with the use of NaBH4, and catalyzed by Pt@ZIF-67. Additionally, the Pt@ZIF-67 was recoverable and successfully tested for five qtr runs, with reasonable efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysts for Organic Wastewater Treatment)
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Review

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30 pages, 4417 KiB  
Review
A Bibliometric Analysis on Pulsed Electrolysis: Electronic Effect, Double Layer Effect, and Mass Transport
by Zhuowen Wang, Yijun Liu, Sibei Liu, Yuxuan Cao, Shan Qiu and Fengxia Deng
Catalysts 2023, 13(11), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13111410 - 1 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2631
Abstract
Pulsed electrolysis endowed merits of high current density, low energy consumption, and simple operation; thus, a booming in their publication numbers has been witnessed in recent years. In this review, we aim to summarize the state-of-the-art pulsed current/potential strategy to enhance electrochemical reactions, [...] Read more.
Pulsed electrolysis endowed merits of high current density, low energy consumption, and simple operation; thus, a booming in their publication numbers has been witnessed in recent years. In this review, we aim to summarize the state-of-the-art pulsed current/potential strategy to enhance electrochemical reactions, such as oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), CO2 reduction (CO2RR), CO reduction (COR), etc. It begins with historic analysis of pulsed electrolysis via a bibliometric method, aiming at providing a progress over the course of around 40 years in a quantitative way. Then, the definition along with its influence of electronic effect, double layer effect and mass transport have been reviewed based on a mechanism point of view for the first time. To sum up the review, several current challenges and future prospects of pulsed electrolysis have provided for the future smart design of electrochemical process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysts for Organic Wastewater Treatment)
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27 pages, 5494 KiB  
Review
A Review on Heteroanionic-Based Materials for Photocatalysis Applications
by Yathavan Subramanian, Anitha Dhanasekaran, Lukman Ahmed Omeiza, Mahendra Rao Somalu and Abul K. Azad
Catalysts 2023, 13(1), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13010173 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3348
Abstract
In the last few decades, photocatalysis has been found to be a practical, environmentally friendly approach for degrading various pollutants into non-toxic products (e.g., H2O and CO2) and generating fuels from water using solar light. Mainly, traditional photocatalysts (such [...] Read more.
In the last few decades, photocatalysis has been found to be a practical, environmentally friendly approach for degrading various pollutants into non-toxic products (e.g., H2O and CO2) and generating fuels from water using solar light. Mainly, traditional photocatalysts (such as metal oxides, sulfides, and nitrides) have shown a promising role in various photocatalysis reactions. However, it faces many bottlenecks, such as a wider band gap, low light absorption nature, photo-corrosion issues, and quick recombination rates. Due to these, a big question arises of whether these traditional photocatalysts can meet increasing energy demand and degrade emerging pollutants in the future. Currently, researchers view heteroanionic materials as a feasible alternative to conventional photocatalysts for future energy generation and water purification techniques due to their superior light absorption capacity, narrower band gap, and improved photo-corrosion resistance. Therefore, this article summarizes the recent developments in heteroanionic materials, their classifications based on anionic presence, their synthesis techniques, and their role in photocatalysis. In the end, we present a few recommendations for improving the photocatalytic performance of future heteroanionic materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysts for Organic Wastewater Treatment)
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40 pages, 79386 KiB  
Review
Graphene-Based Derivatives Heterostructured Catalytic Systems for Sustainable Hydrogen Energy via Overall Water Splitting
by Iqra Sadiq, Syed Asim Ali and Tokeer Ahmad
Catalysts 2023, 13(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13010109 - 3 Jan 2023
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4192
Abstract
The global climate crisis has cultivated the demand for sustainable energy resources as fossil derivative fuels are functional in catalyzing the rate of environmental breakdown. Sustainable energy solutions generate various renewable energy prospects capable of delivering efficient energy operations. Among these prospects, green [...] Read more.
The global climate crisis has cultivated the demand for sustainable energy resources as fossil derivative fuels are functional in catalyzing the rate of environmental breakdown. Sustainable energy solutions generate various renewable energy prospects capable of delivering efficient energy operations. Among these prospects, green H2 energy generated via overall water splitting is an effective approach towards sustainability ascribed to the higher gravimetric density and efficiency of H2 fuel. In this review, we sought to discuss the applicability and challenges of graphene-based derivatives in H2 evolution operations through photochemical, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical water-splitting pathways. The unique layered structure of graphene-based derivatives alongside marvelous optoelectronic and physicochemical properties ease out the thermodynamic uphill of water splitting better than their non-layered counterparts. In addition, the heterojunction formation in the graphene derivatives with visible light catalysts propels the kinetics of HER. Functionalized GO and rGO derivatives of graphene are riveting catalysts that have received extensive interest from researchers attributed to their accelerated chemical and mechanical stability, tunable band structure and larger surface area, providing more exposed active sites for HER. The surface organic functional groups of GO/rGO assist in establishing synergetic interfacial contact with other catalysts. Thus, these groups provide structural and chemical versatility to GO/rGO-based heterostructured catalysts, which effectively improve their physicochemical parameters that drive their catalytic performance towards HER. In order to develop a cost-effective and highly efficient catalytic system, graphene-based derivatives are promising heterostructured catalysts that exhibit a good relationship between catalytic efficiency and robustness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysts for Organic Wastewater Treatment)
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23 pages, 541 KiB  
Review
Development of Adsorptive Materials for Selective Removal of Toxic Metals in Wastewater: A Review
by Moeng Geluk Motitswe, Kassim Olasunkanmi Badmus and Lindiwe Khotseng
Catalysts 2022, 12(9), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12091057 - 16 Sep 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3240
Abstract
Removal of toxic metals is essential to achieving sustainability in wastewater purification. The achievement of efficient treatment at a low cost can be seriously challenging. Adsorption methods have been successfully demonstrated for possession of capability in the achievement of the desirable sustainable wastewater [...] Read more.
Removal of toxic metals is essential to achieving sustainability in wastewater purification. The achievement of efficient treatment at a low cost can be seriously challenging. Adsorption methods have been successfully demonstrated for possession of capability in the achievement of the desirable sustainable wastewater treatment. This review provides insights into important conventional and unconventional materials for toxic metal removal from wastewater through the adsorption process. The importance of the role due to the application of nanomaterials such as metal oxides nanoparticle, carbon nanomaterials, and associated nanocomposite were presented. Besides, the principles of adsorption, classes of the adsorbent materials, as well as the mechanisms involved in the adsorption phenomena were discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysts for Organic Wastewater Treatment)
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