Photocatalytic Treatment of RDX Wastewater with Nano-Sized Titanium Dioxide (5 pp) |
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Authors: | Zongkuan Liu Yanling He Feng Li Yonghong Liu |
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Institution: | (1) Scientific Journals, ecomed publishers, 86899 Landsberg, Germany |
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Abstract: | Background, Aim and Scope
The polynitramines, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX),
are important military explosives and regulated toxic hazardous compounds. Production, testing and use of the compounds has
resulted in numerous acres of contaminated soils and groundwater near many munitions facilities. Economical and efficient
methods for treatment of wastewater and cleanup of soils or groundwater containing RDX and HMX are needed. This study focuses
on the photocatalytic treatment of RDX wastewater with nano-sized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) under simulated sunlight, whose
intensity and wavelength are similar to that of the real sunlight in Xi'an at noon. The objective is to determine the potential
for RDX destruction with nano-TiO2 in aqueous solution.
Materials and Methods:
An activated carbon fiber (ACF) cloth-loaded with nano-TiO2 was put into the RDX containing solution, and the concentration
of RDX was measured (by HPLC–UV) at regular time intervals under simulated sunlight.
Results:
The RDX degradation percentage of the photocatalytic process is higher than that of Fenton oxidation before 80 min, equivalent
after 80 min, and it reaches 95% or above after 120 min. The nano-TiO2 catalyst can be used repeatedly.
Discussion:
The photocatalytic degradation kinetics of RDX under simulated sunlight can be described by a first-order reaction kinetics
equation. The possible degradation mechanism of RDX was presented and the degradation performance was compared with that of
biological method.
Conclusions:
It was demonstrated that the degradation of RDX wastewater is very effective with nano-TiO2 as the photocatalytic catalyst
under simulated sunlight. The efficiency of the nano-TiO2 catalyst for RDX degradation under simulated sunlight is nearly
identical to that of Fenton oxidation.
Recommendations and Perspectives:
To date, a number of catalysts show poor absorption and utilization of sunlight, and still need ultraviolet light irradiation
during wastewater degradation. The nano-TiO2 used in the described experiments features very good degradation of RDX under
simulated sunlight, and the manufacturing costs are rather low (around 10 Euro/m2). Moreover, the degradation efficiency is
higher compared to that of the biological method.
This method exhibits great potential for practical applications owing to its easiness and low cost. If it can be applied extensively,
the efficiency of wastewater treatment will be enhanced greatly. |
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Keywords: | titanium dioxide RDX photocatalysis degradation wastewater |
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