Enhanced degradation of reactive brilliant red X-3B by photocatalysis integrated with micro-electrolysis

The microwave electrodeless lamp UV photocatalysis (MWUV) integrated with iron carbon micro-electrolysis (ME) was applied to degrade reactive brilliant red X-3B. In the present study, the removal rate of X-3B by MWUV/ME was 95%, which was significantly higher than 56% of MWUV and 62% of ME system. The experiment results demonstrated a synergistic effect in MWUV/ME system, wherein the ME system played an important role in color removal and the formation of center dot OH in photocatalysis contributed most for the mineralization of X-3B and its intermediates. The removal efficiency of TOC was 32%, 7.5%, and 59.5% under MWUV, ME, and MWUV/ME processes at the end of the reaction, respectively. The Fe3+ existed in the system was an enhancer of producing center dot OH via self-generation of center dot OH by UV irradiation or improving the separation of electron-hole in photocatalysis by capturing the electrons. Therefore, the combined treatment of MWUV and ME system has the potential of synergistic effect compared to the separate process. Lowering the initial solution pH and increasing the iron filing dosage and dissolved oxygen were beneficial for the enhancement of degradation efficiency. The inorganic anions showed a diversity influencing the degradation of X-3B. NO3-, CO32-, and SO42- (at higher concentration) promoted the degradation reaction, while Cl- had non-significant effect.

Automated summary

The combination of MWUV and ME systems showed a synergistic effect in degrading reactive brilliant red X-3B. The presence of Fe3+ enhanced the generation of center dot OH, improving the photocatalytic efficiency. Lowering the initial solution pH and increasing iron filing dosage and dissolved oxygen concentration were beneficial for enhancing the degradation efficiency.