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Cavitation-regime-controlled synergy in high-frequency sonophotocatalysis
Vincenzo Fabbrizio1, Melissa G Galloni1, Ermelinda Falletta1
1Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Via Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy.
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry
|August 8, 2026
Summary
High-frequency ultrasound enhances advanced oxidation processes, but synergy in sonophotocatalysis depends on cavitation and catalyst choice. BiOBr demonstrated significant synergy for ibuprofen degradation, proving effective even in simulated drinking water.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are crucial for pollutant degradation.
- High-frequency ultrasound is an emerging intensification tool for AOPs.
- The role of ultrasound in AOPs is often simplified, neglecting its regime-dependent nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate reactor-driven synergy in high-frequency sonophotocatalysis for ibuprofen (IBU) degradation.
- To evaluate the influence of cavitation regimes and photocatalyst properties on process synergy.
- To assess the efficiency and economic viability of the sonophotocatalytic process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a plate-type ultrasonic system operating at 584 kHz for sonophotocatalysis.
- Quantified cavitation efficiency using potassium iodide dosimetry.
- Evaluated BiOCl, BiOBr, and TiO2 P25 photocatalysts under ultrasound and simulated solar irradiation.
- Identified transformation products using UHPLC-MS/MS and assessed ecotoxicity with ECOSAR modelling.
Main Results:
- Continuous mode at 584 kHz provided the most effective and stable radical generation.
- True synergy was observed exclusively with BiOBr, with a kinetic constant 2.23 times higher than the sum of individual processes.
- Synergistic effects were maintained in simulated drinking water and at reduced catalyst loading.
- Sonophotocatalysis improved TOC removal but mineralization remained partial.
Conclusions:
- Synergy in sonophotocatalysis is not inherent but contingent on cavitation regime and photocatalyst characteristics.
- Reactor-oriented design is essential for optimizing high-frequency sonophotocatalytic systems.
- The process shows potential for efficient pollutant degradation with a preliminary cost of ownership of 2.20 €·m⁻³.
