Construct interesting CuS/TiO2 architectures for effective removal of Cr(VI) in simulated wastewater via the strong synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic process

Abstract

Most of the reduction processes for Cr (VI) removal tend to be available only at the acidic condition and the capable extent of pH is limited. Here, we developed a facile strategy for constructing CuS/TiO2 architectures via a facile precipitation process. The as-prepared urchin-like CuS microspheres possessed hierarchical/large porous structure and unique electrical structure, which provided a strong ability to capture the Cr(VI) ions in water. Once CuS microspheres were combined with TiO2 crystals (P25), a surprised high removal efficiency for Cr(VI) was obtained. With optimal molar ratio of CuS:TiO2 (0.72:1), 4.4 and 1.3 times in Cr(VI) removal rate were obtained with respect to pure TiO2 and CuS. The high removal efficiency was induced by the distinct synergistic role of strong adsorption and photocatalytic reduction originated from unique electrical structure in CuS/TiO2 hetero-structure. Moreover, these novel CuS/TiO2 architectures possess promising application for Cr6+ effluents remediation in a wide range of pH and with co-existing anions and cations.