Intimately coupling photocatalysis with phenolics biodegradation and photosynthesis

Nianbing Zhong, Jilin Yuan, Yihao Luo, Mingfu Zhao, Binbin Luo, Qiang Liao, Haixing Chang, Dengjie Zhong, Bruce E. Rittmann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

We developed and demonstrated a novel intimately coupled photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) system. The ICPB system was comprised of photocatalytic optical hollow-fibers (POHFs) coated with Ag-loaded GeO2 and N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst, along with a biofilm that included phototrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms. The POHFs exhibit high UV–visible photocatalytic activity to degrade phenolic compounds rapidly and stably, decrease toxicity, generate readily biodegradable products, and emit visible light for biofilm growth and O2 production by phototrophs. O2 produced by the phototrophs was transferred to the POHFs, helping generate hydroxyl free radicals for photocatalysis. The biofilm, which became enriched in Rhodococcus and Pseudomonas, maintained rapid and stable biodegradation of photocatalytic products from the phenolics. Thus, the synergism among photocatalysis, biodegradation, and photosynthesis in the novel ICPB system provided an efficient means to rapidly and sustainably degraded and mineralized high concentrations of phenolic compounds.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number130666
JournalChemical Engineering Journal
Volume425
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2021

Keywords

  • Biodegradation
  • Biofilm
  • Intimate coupling
  • Optical hollow-fibers
  • Phenolic compounds
  • Photocatalysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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