A Cellulose-Type Carrier for Intimate Coupling Photocatalysis and Biodegradation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Catalysis

Background:

• Refractory organic matter poses challenges for conventional wastewater treatment.
• Intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation is an emerging advanced oxidation process.
• Effective carriers are crucial for immobilizing catalysts and microorganisms in coupled treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel cellulose-based porous carrier for enhanced photocatalysis and biodegradation.
• To optimize the preparation conditions for the cellulose porous support.
• To evaluate the photocatalytic performance and stability of the developed carrier for organic pollutant degradation.

Main Methods:

• Sugarcane cellulose, absorbent cotton, and sodium sulfate were used to prepare a porous cellulose support.
• Nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) was loaded onto the support via a low-temperature bonding method.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were used for characterization.
• Degradation experiments using Rhodamine B and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene were conducted.

Main Results:

• Optimal preparation conditions identified: 1.0% cellulose mass fraction, 0.6 g absorbent cotton, and 60 g Na2SO4.
• SEM, EDS, and XPS confirmed uniform loading of nano-TiO2 onto the cellulose support.
• The nano-TiO2-loaded composite support demonstrated excellent photocatalytic activity, degrading 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene by over 92% after 6 cycles.
• The carrier exhibited good stability and supported microbial adhesion, indicating suitability for coupled treatment.

Conclusions:

• A stable and efficient cellulose porous carrier for intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation was successfully prepared.
• The optimized carrier material shows significant potential for treating refractory organic pollutants in wastewater.
• This cellulose-based material offers a promising platform for advanced oxidation processes in environmental remediation.