Light-Activated Degradation of Pollutants in Water and Water-Free Conditions
Location
Poster #13
Start Date
1-5-2026 12:00 PM
Department
Chemistry
Abstract
Organic water pollutants, such as aromatic hydrocarbons and microplastics, can be challenging to clean up through filtration or chemical water treatment methods. A material called a photocatalyst works by absorbing energy from light and converting it into chemical energy, which can then react with and degrade organic pollutants to remove them from the environment. Using an aqueous low temperature method, a known photocatalyst Bismuth Copper Oxysulfide (BiCuOS) was synthesized in its nanoparticle form, and the nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photodegradation activity of the catalyst was tested by adding the nanoparticles to methylene blue dye both in aqueous and non-aqueous organic solvents. Both experiments showed that in dark conditions with no light exposure there was little to no catalytic activity, while when exposed to visible light, there was a complete degradation of the methylene blue dye, showing catalytic activity. These conclusions of photodegradation occurring in a non-aqueous environment may give further insight into the mechanism of the process, which may be contrary to former beliefs. However, further experiments testing the levels of water and oxygen in the solvents must be done to reach a conclusion.
Faculty Sponsor
Samantha Brown-Xu
Light-Activated Degradation of Pollutants in Water and Water-Free Conditions
Poster #13
Organic water pollutants, such as aromatic hydrocarbons and microplastics, can be challenging to clean up through filtration or chemical water treatment methods. A material called a photocatalyst works by absorbing energy from light and converting it into chemical energy, which can then react with and degrade organic pollutants to remove them from the environment. Using an aqueous low temperature method, a known photocatalyst Bismuth Copper Oxysulfide (BiCuOS) was synthesized in its nanoparticle form, and the nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photodegradation activity of the catalyst was tested by adding the nanoparticles to methylene blue dye both in aqueous and non-aqueous organic solvents. Both experiments showed that in dark conditions with no light exposure there was little to no catalytic activity, while when exposed to visible light, there was a complete degradation of the methylene blue dye, showing catalytic activity. These conclusions of photodegradation occurring in a non-aqueous environment may give further insight into the mechanism of the process, which may be contrary to former beliefs. However, further experiments testing the levels of water and oxygen in the solvents must be done to reach a conclusion.