Elemental Bromine Production by TiO2 Photocatalysis and/or Ozonation

Significant production of elemental bromine (Br-2) was observed for the first time when treating bromide containing solutions at acidic pH, with TiO2 photocatalyst, ozone, or a combination thereof. Br-2 selectivities up to approximately 85% were obtained and the corresponding bromine mass balance values satisfied. The process is general and may be applied at a laboratory scale for green bromination reactions, or industrially as a cheap, safe, and environmentally sustainable alternative to the currently applied bromine production methods.