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Photochemical elimination of Cr(VI) from neutral–alkaline solutions
Author(s) -
Domènech Xavier,
Muñoz Javier
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.280470203
Subject(s) - chemistry , yield (engineering) , aqueous solution , photocatalysis , catalysis , irradiation , nuclear chemistry , chromium , inorganic chemistry , photochemistry , materials science , organic chemistry , physics , nuclear physics , metallurgy
The elimination of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions at neutral and low alkaline pH by photocatalytic reduction to Cr(III), using ZnO powder as catalyst, is investigated. The study has been performed by determination of the percentage of Cr(VI) eliminated in the presence of some species (i.e. Zn(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Ca(II), CH 3 COO − , PO 3‐ 4 , CO 2‐ 3 , S 2‐ and NH 3 ) which usually are found in wastes together with Cr(VI). The results obtained show that the presence of some species prevents the alkalinization of the solution during irradiation, which increases the yield of Cr(VI) photoreduction. Other species, such as S 2‐ and NH 3 , are oxidized during illumination: thus they prevent electron–hole recombination and, consequently, increase the yield of the Cr(VI) elimination.