Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
4
Photocatalytic Processes for
the Removal of Dye
Pankaj Chowdhury*
,1
, Ali Elkamel
2
and Ajay K. Ray
3
1
University of Calgary, Dept. of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
2
University of Waterloo, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
3
University of Western Ontario, Dept. of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering,
London, Ontario, Canada
Abstract
The heterogeneous photocatalysis process has huge potential as a tertiary treat-
ment method for the degradation of numerous organic compounds and dyes in
wastewater. The process will be more economical and sustainable once solar-light-
driven photocatalysis techniques are established.
The main objective of this chapter is to demonstrate the basic theory and mech-
anism of photo-oxidation processes followed by application of solar light in dye
degradation. The design features and efficiencies of various solar photoreactors
with their current application status will be discussed. Also reviewed are the effects
of several factors such as photocatalyst loading, initial dye concentration, solution
pH, light intensity, and electron scavenger for photo-oxidation of dye molecule.
Keywords:
Dye, degradation, photocatalysis, photoreactor, solar
4.1 Introduction
Despite the fact that almost two-thirds of the earth's surface is covered by
water, mankind is still facing challenges in acquiring safe drinking water.
The main reason behind this is the contamination of water resources
(lakes, rivers and oceans) due to the process of industrialization. Out of the
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