Modified PVA-alginate encapsulated photocatalyst ferro photo gels for Cr(VI) reduction.
In this study magnetic separable photocatalyst beads containing maghemite nanoparticles (γ-Fe(2)O(3)) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer were prepared and used in the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in an aqueous solution under sunlight. The unique superparamagnetic property of the photocatalyst contributed by the γ-Fe(2)O(3) and robust property of PVA polymer allow the magnetic beads to be recovered easily and reused for at least 7 times without washing. The concentration of γ-Fe(2)O(3) was varied from 8% (v/v) to 27% (v/v) and the results revealed that the beads with 8% (v/v) γ-Fe(2)O(3) exhibited the best performance where Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) in only 30 min under sunlight. The use of the PVA has improved the bead properties and life cycle of beads which is in line with sustainable practices.
Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. ani@cheme.utm.my
Ani
A
Idris
Effaliza
E
Misran
Nursia
N
Hassan
Aishah
A
Abd Jalil
Chan Eng
CE
Seng
D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry*; D002384:Catalysis; D002857:Chromium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D005782:Gels; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D008280:Magnetics; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000737:chemistry*; D013472:Sunlight; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects
D000464:Alginates; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005782:Gels; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002857:Chromium; C074702:chromium hexavalent ion; C000499:ferric oxide; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol