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Removal of Cr(VI) from Acid Wastewater by BC/ZnFe 2 O 4 Magnetic Nanocomposite via the Synergy of Absorption‐Photocatalysis
Author(s) -
Shen Xiaofeng,
Zheng Ting,
Yang Jiayi,
Shi Zhun,
Xue Qingquan,
Liu Wanpeng,
Shan Shengdao,
Wong Ming Hung
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
chemcatchem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.497
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1867-3899
pISSN - 1867-3880
DOI - 10.1002/cctc.202000619
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , nanocomposite , calcination , materials science , photocurrent , adsorption , chemical engineering , visible spectrum , nanotechnology , chemistry , catalysis , optoelectronics , engineering , biochemistry
Abstract Photocatalysis is a promising solar energy conversion technology due to its potential applications in water treatment, searching for highly efficient photocatalytic materials is highly desirable. Herein, we have prepared a series of biochar(BC)/ZnFe 2 O 4 magnetic nanocomposites by the calcination‐hydrothermal two‐step method. BC/ZnFe 2 O 4 owns improved photoabsorption from 400 to 1300 nm. PL spectra of BC/ZnFe 2 O 4 shows a weaker intensity compared with BC and ZnFe 2 O 4 , and BC/ZnFe 2 O 4 generates a stronger photocurrent density (∼0.08 μA cm −2 ) than that of BC (0) or ZnFe 2 O 4 (0.03 μA cm −2 ) under the visible light irradiation, implying efficient separation efficiency of photogeneration carriers. The investigation of pH (3, 5, 7, 9, 11) sensitivity of BC/ZnFe 2 O 4 demonstrates that removal efficiency of Cr(VI) achieves the highest rate at pH=3. Under visible light irradiation, BC/ZnFe 2 O 4 as photocatalyst can remove 80 % Cr(VI), higher than that of BC (0) or ZnFe 2 O 4 (44 %). In addition, BC/ZnFe 2 O 4 composites exhibit excellent cycling stability and can be easily separated for recycling due to its stability and unique magnetic properties. This work has presented a promising strategy in adsorption‐photocatalytic treatment of acidic wastewater containing heavy metals.