METHODS FOR REMOVING CONTAMINANTS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING PHOTOELECTROCATALYTIC OXIDIZATION

摘要

A photoelectrocatalytic oxidizing device having a photoanode being constructed from a conducting metal such as Ti as the support electrode. Alternatively, the photoanode is a composite electrode comprising a conducting metal such as Ti as the support electrode coated with a thin film of sintered nanoporous TiO₂. The device is useful in methods for treating an aqueous solution such as groundwater, wastewater, drinking water, ballast water, aquarium water, and aquaculture water to reduce amounts of a contaminant. The method being directed at reducing the amount and concentration of contaminants in an aqueous solution comprising providing an aqueous solution comprising at least one contaminant, and, photoelectrocatalytically oxidizing the contaminant, wherein the contaminant is oxidized by a free radical produced by a photoanode constructed from an anatase polymorph of Ti, a rutile polymorph of Ti, or a nanoporous film of TiO₂.