The photocatalytic oxidation of cyanide at titanium(IV) oxide powder induced by UV irradiation was investigated. It is verified that cyanide is first oxidized to cyanate. However, contrary to earlier studies, it is established that cyanate is subsequently further photocatalytically oxidized via nitrite all the way to nitrate. Experimental conditions were varied and the effects of various sparging gases and pH, as well as the concentrations of both cyanide and photocatalyst, were investigated. As nitrate is a significantly less hazardous contaminant than cyanide, complete photocatalytic oxidation of cyanide to nitrate may be a viable method for decontamination of cyanide wastes.
机构:Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization , Division of Energy Chemistry, Lucas Heights Research Laboratories, Sutherland, NSW 2232, Australia
机构:Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization , Division of Energy Chemistry, Lucas Heights Research Laboratories, Sutherland, NSW 2232, Australia