We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Investigating the Effect of Various Experimental Parameters on Visible Light-Driven TiO2-based Photocatalysis for the Remediation of Aqueous Phase Polystyrene Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This study optimized TiO2-based photocatalysts—including Ag-TiO2 and TiO2/CNT composites—under visible light irradiation and achieved up to 57.84% degradation of polystyrene microplastics in water over 120 hours, with pH and catalyst dosage identified as key process parameters. Advancing photocatalytic degradation technologies is important for breaking down persistent plastic particles in water systems before they are ingested by aquatic organisms or enter drinking water supplies.
Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastics with an average diameter of less than 5 mm, are experiencing tremendous increments in their existence in the aquatic environment, threatening marine life and human health. Conversely, the technology for controlling and effectively removing MPs from the aqueous media is yet to be developed. Recently, photocatalysis has shown efficiency in treating MP pollution in an aquatic environment. Though the photocatalytic degradation of MPs has been reported, the effect of various process parameters on the photocatalytic degradation process has not been significantly investigated. To fill this research gap, the impact of different experimental parameters on the photocatalytic degradation process of polystyrene (PS) MPs was studied using TiO2-based photocatalysts, i.e., conventional TiO2, Ag-TiO2, TiO2/CNT, and Ag-TiO2/CNT, under visible light irradiation. Further, the photodegraded samples were analyzed using a Nephelometer, TOC analyzer, FTIR, GC–MS, and 1H-NMR spectrometer. The results have shown that visible light-driven photocatalysis boosts PS chain scissions and decreases the concentration of PS MPs up to 57.84% in 120 h of irradiation. Moreover, the percentage mass loss was reduced with the increased MP concentration for a fixed amount of photocatalyst. Likewise, the optimum dosage of photocatalyst enhanced the performance of photocatalysis. Additionally, percentage degradation was optimum at pH ~ 6.2 and ambient temperature.
More Papers Like This
Evaluation of Microplastic Degradation Using Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst in Water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested UV light and titanium dioxide photocatalysis to break down microplastic fibers in water, achieving a 97% reduction in mass within 48 hours under optimized conditions, suggesting this approach could be a viable treatment technology for wastewater facilities.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Macro—and Microplastics Using Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)
AI summary Read the abstract
This review assessed titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysis as a method for degrading macro- and microplastics, finding that UV-activated TiO2 can break polymer chains through reactive oxygen species under controlled conditions. Scalable photocatalytic degradation is a compelling remediation strategy because it can destroy microplastics rather than relocate them, potentially reducing the volume of particles available for human ingestion and environmental accumulation.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Microplastic in the Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed photocatalytic degradation as a promising approach for breaking down microplastics in the environment, finding it may offer advantages over incineration and filtration — though practical challenges around scale and efficiency remain.
Degradation of Emerging Plastic Pollutants from Aquatic Environments Using TiO2 and Their Composites in Visible Light Photocatalysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how titanium dioxide-based photocatalysts can degrade microplastics and nanoplastics under visible light conditions. Researchers found that while some composite materials achieved complete degradation of polystyrene particles, overall effectiveness remains limited at the laboratory scale. The study identifies key challenges and proposes future directions for developing more efficient photocatalytic approaches to plastic pollution remediation in water.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants and Microplastics Using Ag/TiO2: Recent Advances in Mechanism, Synthesis and Properties
AI summary Read the abstract
This study reviewed how silver-modified TiO2 (Ag/TiO2) photocatalysts enhance the degradation of organic pollutants and microplastics by improving light absorption and charge separation compared to TiO2 alone. Developing efficient photocatalytic systems like Ag/TiO2 is a promising pathway for breaking down persistent microplastic particles in water and soil environments where conventional treatment methods fall short.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.