This group project focused on the thermodynamic evaluation of photocatalytic wastewater treatment, aiming to better understand how photocatalysts can efficiently degrade pollutants under light activation. The study explored the fundamental mechanisms of photocatalysis, including electron excitation, band-gap transitions, and surface redox reactions, to determine the energetic feasibility and sustainability of these processes in real-world treatment systems.
Key materials analyzed included semiconductor-based photocatalysts such as TiO₂ and its doped variants, known for their high stability and photocatalytic efficiency. The project investigated critical thermodynamic parameters—such as band-edge positions, excited-state lifetimes, and adsorption dynamics—to assess the relationship between reaction spontaneity and degradation performance. Through case studies on dye pollutants like Crystal Violet and Eriochrome Black T, the group demonstrated how temperature, pH, and catalyst dosage influence adsorption and radical formation during photocatalytic degradation.
The results highlighted that photocatalytic wastewater treatment is an exergonic process, meaning it can proceed spontaneously under appropriate light and thermodynamic conditions. These findings reinforce the potential of photocatalysis as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient solution for water purification, bridging the disciplines of advanced thermodynamics, surface chemistry, and environmental engineering.
Wastewater Treatment Using Photocatalysts
