Development of photoelectrochemical pilot scale reactor using TiO2 nanotubes for the treatment of waste in the textile sector

• Grant number: 13/05187-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: June 24, 2013
• End date: November 23, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Maria Valnice Boldrin
• Grantee: Juliano Carvalho Cardoso
• Supervisor: Paul Andrew Christensen
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Newcastle University, England

Abstract

Several treatment systems have been developed, especially during the last decades in order to minimize or solve the problem of water pollution in the textile sector. The absence of an efficient system to promote the removal of color and high organic load involved in this action is a constant preoccupation for environmental protection. Since 2011, we are investigating the adaptation of good results obtained for treatment of textile effluent using TiO2 nanotubes as photoanodos in photoelectrochemical system for industrial scale. However the understanding of the hydrodynamic processes involved in photoelectrochemical reactors is a complex science where various parameters influence considerably the efficiency of the final product desired. Thus, this project aims to develop a part of the project in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Paul A. Christensen of Newcastle University in the UK, to assist in solving the problems inherent in a continuous flow reactor for the treatment of waste from the textile industry through the photoelectrocatalitic process using TiO2 nanotube semiconductor. This would be of great relevance, since Prof. Christensen has studied along the years, optimization of these parameters in systems pilots in large and media scale allowing for consistent performance between the simulated models and large scale. Studies will be extremely relevant for the finalization of the reactor and its direct application within companies in which will be evaluated in the decolorization of industrial waste. (AU)