Efficient photoelectrochemical reduction of nitrite to ammonium and nitrogen containing gaseous species using Ti/TiO2 nanotube electrodes

摘要

The present work describes a suitable method for removing nitrite contaminant from water by using a photoelectrocatalytical method. A Ti/TiO2 nanotube electrode was used as a cathode under UV irradiation and applied potential of -0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl and it led to 100% of nitrite removal after 6 min of photoelectrolysis conducted in NaCl 7 mmol L-1, pH 7 and in absence of dissolved oxygen. Nitrite reduction on Ti/TiO2 photoelectrodes occurs in the cathodic compartment cell via electrons generated when the electrode is under UV irradiation leading to a generation of 7% of remaining ammonium and 93% nitrogen containing gaseous species after 6 min of treatment. The results indicate that the method could be an efficient tool for the treatment of nitrite in water containing nitrite.