Rate enhancement of photocatalytic cyanide oxidation by the application of an anodic bias/coupled semiconductor configuration

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:469776

Munroe, N D.H.; Tilleux, R ^[1]

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1. Florida International Univ., Miami, FL (United States)

In this study, photocatalytic cyanide degradation was investigated utilizing ultraviolet light (UV), an increase in titanium (IV) oxide (TiO{sub 2}) photocatalyst surface area, platinization of the photocatalyst, appropriate adjustment of pH, and the immobilization of TiO{sub 2}/ tin (IV) oxide (SnO{sub 2}) coupled semi-conductor film on an optically transparent electrode. The cyanide concentration was monitored using an ion selective electrode. The focus of this study was to explore the possibility of a viable process for the effective and complete photodegradation of cyanide ion. The long-term goal is the application of this process to industry. Cyanide detoxification has been successfully achieved in recent years. Research has shown that photocatalytic oxidation can completely degrade cyanide to nitrate via nitrite. However, the rate at which this oxidation occurs is not yet suitable for application in industry. Therefore, the need for an effective treatment is most urgent.

• OSTI ID: 469776
• Report Number(s): CONF-960804--Vol.1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
40 CHEMISTRY
CATALYSIS
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
CYANIDES
DECOMPOSITION
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
TIN OXIDES
TITANIUM OXIDES