Photoelectrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction Using Nano-enabled Titanium Oxide Decorated with Metal Nanoparticles
Description
Nitrate (NO3-) pollution in surface and groundwater, worsened by nitrogen-rich fertilizers in agriculture, poses a significant challenge. Conventional methods remove NO3- physically, yielding concentrated reject water needing further treatment. Electrochemical processes use electrons to convert NO3- into ammonia (NH3) or dinitrogen (N2). This project explores photoelectrocatalysis, enhancing selectivity for NH3 as an added-value product using a photocathode based on tri-layers.
Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanorods modified with Ag and CuOx nanoparticles that exhibit high NO3- conversion rates and exceptional NH3 selectivity. Mechanism evaluation reveals additive effects between photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, surpassing individual performances. This approach offers promising solution for NO3- pollution remediation and sustainable resource recovery in agriculture.
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2024-05
Agent
- Author (aut): Butzine, Noah
- Thesis director: Garcia-Segura, Sergi
- Committee member: Cerron-Calle, Gabriel
- Contributor (ctb): Barrett, The Honors College
- Contributor (ctb): School of Sustainable Engineering & Built Envirnmt
- Contributor (ctb): School of Sustainability