Photocatalytic disinfection and purification of water employing reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 composites

摘要: BACKGROUND: Recombination of photogenerated carriers in titanium dioxide (TiO₂)‐mediated semiconducting photocatalysis is considered to be the principal obstacle its unlimited exploitation practical applications. Hybridization TiO₂ with graphene‐based materials appears a highly promising alternative. In this context, reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/TiO₂ composites were prepared using simple ultrasonically assisted route under mild reaction conditions. RESULTS: The as‐prepared characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectrometry (EDS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. Photocatalytic efficiencies evaluated employing pesticide clopyralid as model pollutant. Initial degradation mineralization rates obtained presence were, all cases, higher than one bare TiO₂, 5% rGO/TiO₂ achieving highest r₀ rDOC values. also based on their potential inactivate bacterial endospores Bacillus stearothermophilus species, well‐known for extraordinary resistance most inactivation processes. Prevalence B. stearothermophilus among was evident, accomplished within 120 min UV‐A illumination. Real‐time PCR experiments enabled detection genomic DNA released during photocatalytic oxidation, UV‐A, suggesting lysis outer inner spore coat caused generated ROS. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate rGO, low‐cost, nontoxic material serve reliable alternative enhancement efficiency water processing © 2019 Society Chemical Industry