Chlorella vulgaris meets TiO2 NPs: Effective sorbent/photocatalytic hybrid materials for water treatment application

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114187
• Publication Date: 2021-12-05T19:53:49Z
• Authors: M. Blosi; A. Brigliadori; I. Zanoni; S. Ortelli; S. Albonetti; A.L. Costa
• Keywords: Chlorella vulgaris; Biosorption; Rhodamine B; Photodegradation

A new class of bio-nano hybrid catalyst useable in downstream wastewater treatment was developed. We combined the sorption potentialities Chlorella vulgaris microalgae with photocatalytic properties TiO2 NPs order to investigate unexplored synergistic effects that could push algal remediation technology toward a more promising cost-effective balance. exploited non-living C. vulgaris, which keeps biosorption living microalgae, but greatly enhancing overall processability. biomass coupled and nanosols were then dried by means spray freeze drying (SFD) process able produce highly reactive granules. widespread physicochemical characterization supported preparation performance evaluation, so highlighting key-role vulgaris/TiO2 interaction at colloidal state. Heavy metal adsorption, tested for copper ions, activity, assessed Rhodamine B (RhB) photodegradation, evaluated as key performances. The results pointed out positive effect samples consistent enhancement ranges from 103 mg g-1, pristine about 4000 when inorganic nanophase. activity well preserved complete RhB conversion after 1 h even advanced presence SiO2NPs into counterpart, increasing kinetic constant 8.70 10.7 10-2 min-1. pave way integration these sorbent/photocatalytic materials water systems an innovative sustainable design perspective.