Impacts of Mixing Mode on Photocatalytic Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium over Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterial under Various Environmental Conditions

This study explores the effects of initial Cr(VI) concentration, wavelength, hole-scavenger (absence and presence of salicylic acid), and oxygen conditions (aeration by air, nitrogen gas, and mechanical stir only) on photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium over titanium dioxide photocatalyst and the chromic species distribution after photocatalysis. The experimental results show the existence of strong interactions between these factors. The factor of hole-scavenger was more important than the UV light wavelength condition for a reduction of 3 mg Cr(VI) L-1, whereas both factors became important when Cr(VI) concentration increased to 20 mgL(-1). The higher the UV wavelength was, the less the amount of chromium retained on the TiO2 surface. The influence of oxygen-containing conditions in the solution on the reduction of 3 mgL(-1) Cr(VI) was unobvious, whereas its influence became remarkable for the reduction of 20 mgL(-1) Cr(VI) in the presence of SA. The interaction between oxygen-containing factor and other environmental factors, such as Cr(VI) concentration and scavenger presence (SA in this study), is a key factor about the degree of oxygen effect on Cr(VI) photo-reduction and the chromic species distribution. Simple stirring obtained better photocatalytic efficiency than aeration by air or nitrogen gas.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of initial Cr(VI) concentration, wavelength, hole-scavenger, and oxygen conditions on the photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium over titanium dioxide photocatalyst. The results show strong interactions between these factors, with the hole-scavenger factor being more important for lower Cr(VI) concentrations. Higher UV wavelengths result in less chromium retained on the TiO2 surface. The presence of oxygen has a more significant impact on the reduction of higher Cr(VI) concentrations in the presence of salicylic acid, and simple stirring is more efficient than aeration.