Applications of waste-derived visibly active Fe-TiO2 composite incorporating the hybrid process of photocatalysis and photo-Fenton for the inactivation of E. coli.

Abstract

The study reports the applications of waste-derived visibly active Fe-TiO2 composite for the inactivation of E. coli present in water. The Fe/TiO2 catalyst holds remarkable properties of in situ hybrid effect via combining the TiO2-photocatalytic and photo-Fenton process in one system causing increased production of OH˚. The quantum yield (QY) and reaction rate constant of this hybrid process at 40Wm-2 (UV-A irradiation) were found to be significantly higher in less treatment time (45min) of E. coli inactivation. 23% synergy of in situ hybrid process over single processes was also observed. The increase in the K+ concentration at regular intervals confirmed the cell wall damage. In fully inactivated samples, no regrowth of cells was observed even after 24 and 48h of dark study. Additionally, even after 100 recycles, the Fe/TiO2 catalyst demonstrated an exceptional durability/recyclability efficacy. The findings of this study highlight the potential of the hybrid process as a viable idea for post-treatment of the wastewater that can be implemented effectively in practice.