Waste-derived heterogeneous photocatalysts for the degradation of pollutants in aqueous solution

In recent years, scientific research has been orienting towards environmental protection. Eco-sustainable syntheses and production of materials for environmental remediation are among the most important challenges. Furthermore, wastes accumulation problems can be solved with recycling and reusing, making refuses a valuable resource. Recently, soluble bio-organic substances (CVT230), derived from urban bio-refuses, were tested as homogenous photocatalysts for the degradation of chlorophenols. [1] In this work CVT230 was grafted on different types of silica [2] both amorphous and with ordered mesopority (HMS and SBA-15). The obtained hybrid organic-inorganic materials were characterized by N2 adsorption isotherm, FT-InfraRed Spectroscopy and Small Angle X-Ray Scattering. Their photocatalytic activity was tested for the abatement of 4-methylphenol, a representative phenolic compound that could be found in wastewaters. The experiments were performed in aqueous solution irradiated by simulated solar light. [1] P. Avetta, F. Bella, A. Bianco Prevot, E. Laurenti, E. Montoneri, A. Arques and L. Carlos, ACS Sustainable Chem Eng., 2013, 1, 1545-1550. [2] M.L. Testa, V. La Parola and A.M. Venezia, Catal. Today, 2014, 223, 115-121