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Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2024) | Viewed by 10536

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Prof. Dr. Albin Pintar

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Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Technology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: heterogeneous catalysis; environmental catalysis; reaction kinetics; mechanisms of catalytic reactions; wastewater treatment; CO₂ utilization; process intensification
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Dr. Gregor Žerjav

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Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Technology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: photocatalysis; heterogeneous catalysis; advanced oxidation processes; visible-light-driven photocatalysts; photocatalysis for water purification; photocatalysts based on TiO₂; preparation and characterization of catalysts and materials; water treatment by advanced oxidation processes
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After the first successful Special Issue focused on “Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes” available here, we propose the second edition, titled “Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition”.

Population growth, industrial development, and agricultural increases are linked to the release into the environment of a variety of toxic pollutants that cannot be naturally degraded. In recent decades, a group of chemical oxidation technologies called advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have attracted considerable interest in pollutant removal applications. AOPs are based on generating highly reactive and nonselective hydroxyl radicals (OH∙), for which there are several approaches, e.g., Fenton, UV and ozone-based processes, as well as heterogeneous photocatalytic processes.

We invite authors to submit original work addressing the synthesis and characterization of novel heterogeneous catalysts and their use in AOPs for removing complex organic and recalcitrant pollutants from the environment. Of particular interest are papers that investigate novel reactor systems and practical applications of AOPs.

Prof. Dr. Albin Pintar
Dr. Gregor Žerjav
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Catalysts is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

advanced oxidation processes
heterogeneous catalysis/photocatalysis
water/air treatment
organic pollutants
novel catalysts for catalytic/photocatalytic AOPs
in situ and operando catalyst characterization
reaction mechanisms and kinetics
pilot-scale studies and field applications

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Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes in Catalysts (9 articles)

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Research

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15 pages, 2979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Degradation of Levofloxacin in Aqueous Media by Metal-Free g-C₃N₄ Photocatalyst Under Simulated Solar Light Irradiation

by Truong Nguyen Xuan, Dien Nguyen Thi, Cong Le Thanh, Thu Mai Thi, Thu Le Dieu, Trung Nguyen Duc and Ottó Horváth

Catalysts 2024, 14(11), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14110837 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 400

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) as a fascinating conjugated polymer has attracted considerable attention due to its outstanding electronic properties, high physicochemical stability, and unique structure. In this work, we reported the characterization of g-C₃N₄, which was simply synthesized by thermal polymerization of thiourea, the photocatalytic degradation kinetics, and the pathway of levofloxacin (LEV) using the prepared g-C₃N₄. The XRD and SEM results confirmed a crystalline graphite structure with a tri-s-triazine unit and stacked sheet-like layers of g-C₃N₄. The efficacy factor (EF) was compared to different photocatalytic processes to assess the LEV removal performance. g-C₃N₄ exhibits good stability as a photocatalyst during LEV photodegradation. Radical scavenger experiments revealed that in the oxidative degradation of LEV, ^•O₂^– and h⁺ played the determining roles. Moreover, based on the identification of intermediates using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the degradation pathway of LEV was proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 3744 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Peroxydisulfate Activation by Biochar from Banana Peel Promoted with Copper Phosphide for Bisphenol S Degradation in Aqueous Media

by Alexandra A. Ioannidi, Orestia Logginou, Konstantinos Kouvelis, Athanasia Petala, Maria Antonopoulou, Dionissios Mantzavinos and Zacharias Frontistis

Catalysts 2024, 14(11), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14110789 - 6 Nov 2024

Viewed by 450

Abstract

In this work, the decomposition of bisphenol S (BPS) by biochar derived from banana peel (BPB) promoted by copper phosphide (Cu₃P) was examined. Different materials with Cu₃P loadings from 0.25 to 4.00 wt.% on biochar were synthesized, characterized using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and evaluated. Nearly all of the synthesized materials exhibited low to moderate adsorption capacity, attributable to their limited surface area (<3.1 m²/g). However, in the presence of sodium persulfate (SPS), the 2%Cu₃P/ΒPB/SPS system was capable of removing 90% of 500 μg/L BPS in less than 10 min. The system’s performance was enhanced under inherent pH, and the reaction rate followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with respect to BPS and persulfate concentrations. Interestingly, the presence of 250 mg/L of sodium chloride had a negligible effect, while low to moderate inhibition was observed in the presence of bicarbonates and humic acid. In contrast, significant retardation was observed in experiments performed in real matrices, such as secondary effluent (WW) and bottled water (BW). According to scavenging experiments, both radical and non-radical mechanisms participated in the BPS degradation. Four transformation products were identified using the UHPLC/TOF-MS system in negative ionization mode, with two of them having higher molecular weights than BPS, while the other two TBPs involved the ring-opening reaction, and a BPS decomposition pathway was proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 1873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinetic Modelling of Aromaticity and Colour Changes during the Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole Using Photo-Fenton Technology

by Natalia Villota, Unai Duoandicoechea, Jose Ignacio Lombraña and Ana María De Luis

Catalysts 2024, 14(10), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14100718 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 669

Abstract

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is an antibiotic that is extensively used in veterinary medicine, and its occurrence in wastewater and surface water can reach up to 20 μg/L. SMX is categorized as a pollutant of emerging concern by the US EPA due to its persistence and effects on humans and the environment. In this study, photo-Fenton technology is proposed for the removal of SMX. Aqueous solutions of SMX (50.0 mg/L) are treated in a 150 W UV photoreactor, using [Fe²⁺]₀ = 0.5 mg/L and varying [H₂O₂]₀ = 0–3.0 mM. During the reaction, colour (AU) was assessed along with SMX (mg/L), turbidity (NTU), and TC (mg/L). SMX degrades to aromatic intermediates with chromophoric groups, exhibiting colour (yellow to brown) and turbidity. As these intermediates are mineralized into CO₂ and H₂O, the colour and turbidity of the water lose intensity. Using a molar ratio of 1 mol SMX:10 mol H₂O₂, the maximum degradation of aromatic species takes place (71% elimination), and colourless water with turbidity < 1 NTU is obtained. A kinetic modelling for aromaticity loss and colour formation as a function of the oxidant concentration has been proposed. The application of this model allows the estimation of oxidant amounts for an efficient removal of SMX under environmentally friendly conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 2393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Au Loading and TiO₂ Support on the Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation of Glyphosate over TiO₂+Au Catalysts

by Gregor Žerjav, Alen Albreht and Albin Pintar

Catalysts 2024, 14(7), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14070448 - 12 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 781

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the impact of varying amounts of added Au (0.5 to 2 wt.%) and the structural characteristics of anatase TiO₂ supports (nanoparticles (TP, S_BET = 88 m²/g) and nanorods (TR, S_BET = 105 m²/g)) on the catalytic efficiency of TiO₂+Au catalysts in eliminating the herbicide glyphosate from aqueous solutions via the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) process. The investigation was conducted using a continuous-flow trickle-bed reactor. Regardless of the TiO₂ support and the amount of Au added, the addition of Au has a positive effect on the glyphosate degradation rate. Regarding the amount of Au added, the highest catalytic activity was observed with the TP + 1% Au catalyst, which had a higher Schottky barrier (SB) than the TP + 2% Au catalyst, which helped the charge carriers in the TiO₂ conduction band to increase their reduction potential by preventing them from returning to the Au. The role of glyphosate degradation product adsorption on the catalyst surface is crucial for sustaining the long-term catalytic activity of the investigated TiO₂+Au materials. This was particularly evident in the case of the TR + 1% Au catalyst, which had the highest glyphosate degradation rate at the beginning of the CWAO experiment, but its catalytic activity then decreased over time due to the adsorption of glyphosate degradation products, which was favoured by the presence of strong acidic sites. In addition, the TR + 1% Au solid had the smallest average Au particle size of all analyzed materials, which were more easily deactivated by the adsorption of glyphosate degradation products. The analysis of the degradation products of glyphosate shows that the oxidation of glyphosate in the liquid phase involves the rupture of C–P and C–N bonds, as amino-methyl-phosphonic acid (AMPA), glyoxylic acid and sarcosine were detected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 4289 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Modified Gasification-Slag-Driven Persulfate Activation for Highly Efficient Degradation of Acetaminophen: N/O Active Site Regulation and Nonradical Oxidation

by Wenhao Si, Fei Qi, Kangjun Wang, Qiang Wang, Zequan Zeng, Yuting Niu and Zhanggen Huang

Catalysts 2023, 13(12), 1512; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13121512 - 15 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1346

Abstract

With the development of coal chemical technology, a large amount of gasification slag and wastewater are produced through coal gasification. Efficient gasification slag utilization and wastewater treatment have attracted much attention. In this study, gasification slag was modified and used as a low-cost and efficient catalyst to activate persulfate for acetaminophen degradation. Via the analysis of high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the surfaces of nitric acid and calcined modified gasification slag retained a considerable number of carbonyl and graphite N functional groups. These proved to be effective active sites for the activation of persulfate. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the gasification slag was composed of carbon and SiO₂. The evaluation of catalytic activity and application of density functional theory proved that the interaction between carbonyl and graphitic nitrogen significantly affected the catalyst activity. When the ratio of graphitic nitrogen to carbonyl was 1:3, the adsorption and activation of persulfate were significantly enhanced. The results of the quenching experiments also confirmed that the non-free radical pathway is the main pathway to activate persulfate using the gasification slag. This study provides a new approach to industrial waste utilization in wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 3261 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Catalytic Wet Oxidation of Excess Activated Sludge from a Coal Chemical Wastewater Treatment Process

by Zhongquan Wang, Shulin Qin, Weicheng Zheng, Xiaodan Lou, Xu Zeng and Taihang Wu

Catalysts 2023, 13(10), 1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13101352 - 9 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1624

Abstract

An improved catalytic wet oxidation method for the disposal of excess activated sludge from a coal chemical wastewater treatment process by using the prepared Cu-Ce/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst was reported. The effects of catalyst dosage, reaction temperature and time, and initial oxygen pressure on the degradation of the sludge were investigated. The maximum removal rate of volatile suspended solids, 93.2%, was achieved at 260 °C for 60 min with the catalyst 7.0 g·L⁻¹ and initial oxygen pressure 1.0 MPa. The removal rate of chemical oxygen demand was 78.3% under the same conditions. The production of volatile fatty acids, including mainly acetic acid, propanoic acid, and isobutyric acid, increased with the increasing temperature. These acids have the potential to be carbon sources for the biological treatment of wastewater. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the sludge became a loose porous structure, which is beneficial for dewatering performance. The results of an energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis illustrated that the carbon element in the sludge substantially migrated from solid to liquid phases. Therefore, these results demonstrated that the proposed catalytic wet oxidation method offers a promising pathway for the disposal and utilization of excess activated sludge from the coal chemical wastewater treatment process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 4422 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Assessing the Efficacy of A Mo₂C/Peroxydisulfate System for Tertiary Wastewater Treatment: A Study of Losartan Degradation, E. coli Inactivation, and Synergistic Effects

by Alexandra A. Ioannidi, Maria Vlachodimitropoulou, Zacharias Frontistis, Athanasia Petala, Eleni Koutra, Michael Kornaros and Dionissios Mantzavinos

Catalysts 2023, 13(9), 1285; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13091285 - 8 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1235

Abstract

This work examines the use of pristine Mo₂C as an intriguing sodium persulfate (SPS) activator for the degradation of the drug losartan (LOS). Using 500 mg/L Mo₂C and 250 mg/L SPS, 500 μg/L LOS was degraded in less than 45 min. LOS decomposition was enhanced in acidic pH, while the apparent kinetic constant decreased with higher LOS concentrations. According to experiments conducted in the presence of scavengers of reactive species, sulfate radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen participated in LOS oxidation, with the latter being the predominant reactive species. The presence of competitors such as bicarbonate and organic matter reduced the observed efficiency in actual matrices, while, interestingly, the addition of chloride accelerated the degradation rate. The catalyst showed remarkable stability, with complete LOS removal being retained after five sequential experiments. The system was examined for simultaneous LOS decomposition and elimination of Escherichia coli. The presence of E. coli retarded LOS destruction, resulting in only 30% removal after 3 h, while the system was capable of reducing E. coli concentration by 1.23 log. However, in the presence of simulated solar irradiation, E. coli was reduced by almost 4 log and LOS was completely degraded in 45 min, revealing a significant synergistic effect of the solar/Mo₂C/SPS system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition)

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Review

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31 pages, 7574 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Synthesis and Photocatalytic Efficacy of Distinct Nano-Oxides in the Breakdown of Organic Contaminants

by Jelena Pavlović, Nataša Novak Tušar and Nevenka Rajić

Catalysts 2024, 14(11), 771; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14110771 - 31 Oct 2024

Viewed by 604

Abstract

Nano metal oxides (NMOs), with their unique physico-chemical properties and low toxicity, have become a focus of research in heterogeneous catalysis. Their distinct characteristics, which can be tailored based on size and structure, make them highly efficient catalysts. NMOs have the potential to significantly contribute to the degradation of numerous environmental pollutants through photolytic decomposition. This work comprehensively analyzes the synthesis, catalytic performance, and applications of photocatalytically active metal oxides, specifically titanium, zinc, copper, iron, silver, tin, and tungsten oxides. The primary objective is to demonstrate how the effectiveness of photocatalytic processes can be enhanced and optimized by incorporating metals, non-metals, and metalloids into their structure and forming heterostructures. Furthermore, the aim is to understand the underlying process of photocatalytic oxidation thoroughly. Photocatalysis, a promising approach in advanced oxidation processes, has garnered significant interest in these fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition)

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47 pages, 6925 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Review on Recent Advances in the Removal of Organic Drugs by Advanced Oxidation Processes

by Muhammad Umair, Tayyaba Kanwal, Vittorio Loddo, Leonardo Palmisano and Marianna Bellardita

Catalysts 2023, 13(11), 1440; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13111440 - 14 Nov 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2384

Abstract

In recent years, due to the high consumption of drugs both for human needs and for their growing use, especially as regards antibiotics, in the diet of livestock, water pollution has reached very high levels and attracted widespread attention. Drugs have a stable chemical structure and are recalcitrant to many treatments, especially biological ones. Among the methods that have shown high efficiency are advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) which are, among other things, inexpensive and eco-friendly. AOPs are based on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) able to degrade organic pollutants in wastewater. The main problem related to the degradation of drugs is their partial oxidation to compounds that are often more harmful than their precursors. In this review, which is not intended to be exhaustive, we provide an overview of recent advances in the removal of organic drugs via advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The salient points of each process, highlighting advantages and disadvantages, have been summarized. In particular, the use of AOPs such as UV, ozone, Fenton-based AOPs and heterogeneous photocatalysis in the removal of some of the most common drugs (tetracycline, ibuprofen, oxytetracycline, lincomycin) has been reported. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition)

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