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Photocatalytic Degradation of Ni(II)-Cyano and Co(III)-Cyano Complexes

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Abstract

Cyanide and metal–cyanide complexes are common constituents of effluents of mining, petroleum refining, and coal gasification. This paper presents the photocatalytic degradation of free cyanide, Ni(II)-cyanide (Ni(CN)4 2−), and Co(III)-cyanide (Co(CN)6 3−) complexes in aqueous TiO2 suspensions. The effect of pH (9.5–12.0), TiO2 loading (0.1–2.0 g/l), and the airflow rate (0.5–2.0 l/min) in a photoreactor on the degradation of the cyanide complexes was investigated. Free cyanide fully converted to cyanate (NCO−) under alkaline conditions. The maximum removal of the Ni(CN)4 2− ion in 180 min was found to be 90 %; forming CN− and NCO− ions as the major and minor products, respectively. Comparatively, the Co(CN)6 3− ion could be degraded only up to 30 % in 180 min. The schemes of the photocatalytic oxidation of cyanides are briefly described. The possible causes for differences in degradation of Ni(CN)4 2− and Co(CN)6 3− are also discussed. Optimum conditions for efficient removal of Ni(CN)4 2− and Co(CN)6 3− ions separately and in mixtures are given.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University. V.K.S. would like to thank the Center of Ferrate Excellence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand

    Khemarath Osathaphan

  2. Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Bang Khen, Thailand

    Kaiwit Ruengruehan

  3. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, 179 Chemistry Building, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA

    Ria A. Yngard

  4. Chemistry Department, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, FL, 32901, USA

    Virender K. Sharma

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  1. Khemarath Osathaphan
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  2. Kaiwit Ruengruehan
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  3. Ria A. Yngard
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  4. Virender K. Sharma
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Correspondence to Virender K. Sharma.

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Osathaphan, K., Ruengruehan, K., Yngard, R.A. et al. Photocatalytic Degradation of Ni(II)-Cyano and Co(III)-Cyano Complexes. Water Air Soil Pollut 224, 1647 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1647-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1647-5

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