LED-driven photocatalytic oxidation technology for water purification

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Abstract: This interdisciplinary project aims to provide a safe and reliable technology for the treatment of drinking water as well as the effective treatment of natural organic matter and other organic substances. To achieve this, light emitting diodes (LEDs) will be combined with photocatalytic oxidation technology. Scientific input and financial support from Scottish Water during the whole duration of the studentship will safeguard the feasibility and effectiveness of the project.Background: Natural organic matter (NOM), found in water, is a complex matrix of organic compounds that vary in chemical properties and concentrations [1]. These compounds can come from decay of plant and animal matter. The main issue with NOM is that it can contribute to disinfection by-products (DBPs) and the formation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes (THMs) [2]. Also, it affects the quality of water like odour, taste and colour. Scottish Water has recently demonstrated that there is a pressing need to find a suitable treatment technology to reduce the high organic content, such as NOM, of source waters in Scotland [3]. Over the last few years, research has proven that photocatalytic oxidation technology can effectively clean waters rich in organic substances and remove NOM. Photocatalysis is based on the use of light and a catalyst to oxidize pollutants to safe final products. Nevertheless, its high energy demand, due to the use of artificial irradiation, is a major technical barrier impeding its wider application for water treatment. This project is uniquely designed to overcome this barrier and make significant technological steps beyond the state-of-the-art by using energy and cost-efficient LEDs. Our recent discoveries in LED photocatalysis [4] and photocatalytic materials [5] will be further advanced to meet the quality standards for drinking water treatment.Objectives: To deliver a new robust LED technology for water purification able to serve as a polishing treatment method and reduce organic content in waters.