Photocatalysis is an effective technology in wastewater treatment, which is able to use light energy to activate catalysts to degrade organic pollutants in wastewater. The following is the detailed application process of photocatalysis in wastewater treatment:
Select the catalyst and light source
Choose appropriate photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), which can absorb ultraviolet light and produce reactive free radicals for catalytic reactions.
Determine the light source, usually an ultraviolet lamp or other light source capable of exciteting the catalyst.
Addition of catalysts
The catalyst of choice is added to the wastewater, usually in powder form or by immobilization on a carrier.
The addition of catalyst should ensure sufficient dispersion to improve catalytic efficiency.
Design of a photocatalytic reactor
Design an appropriate photocatalytic reactor to ensure that the wastewater is in full contact with the catalyst and receives sufficient light.
Reactor designs may include flow reactors, stirred reactors, or stationary photocatalytic reactors.
Proceeding of photocatalytic reactions
When the wastewater passes through the photocatalytic reactor, the light energy excites the electron-hole pairs on the surface of the catalyst to form reactive radicals.
Reactive free radicals purify wastewater by oxidizing organic waste molecules, breaking them down into smaller, more harmless substances.
End of reaction and wastewater treatment
After a photocatalytic reaction, the organic pollutants in the wastewater are degraded into simpler and more stable substances.
The water after the reaction is treated with filtration, sedimentation, neutralization, or other post-treatment steps to remove residual solid particles or other products.
** and reuse of catalysts
The ** and reuse of catalysts is an important part of economic and environmental considerations. Catalysts can be physically or chemically used**, allowing them to be used multiple times.
The application of photocatalysis in wastewater treatment has the advantages of high efficiency, no need to add additional oxidants, and environmental friendliness. However, factors such as catalyst selection, light conditions, reactor design, catalyst**, and post-treatment need to be considered during the application to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability in wastewater treatment.
Copyright Shandong Zhongshui Environmental Engineering ***