Photocatalytic degradation of cyanide in wastewater using new generated nano-thin film photocatalyst

This study investigates the possibility of using new generated potassium lanthanum titanates (K₂La₂Ti₃O₁₀, KLTO) photocatalyst thin films and CeO₂ buffer layer produced using sol-gel method to remove cyanide from wastewater. DTA-TG, FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, AFM and profilometer analyses were performed to determine the thermal, structural and morphological characterization of the thin film photocatalysts, respectively. In order to provide the highest photocatalytic activity, new generated photocatalytic films with KLTO/CeO₂ architecture were coated on Si (100) substrates and the cyanide degradation experiments were carried out. In this respect, initial concentration, pH of cyanide and light intensity were chosen as variables and their single and joint effects on removal of cyanide from wastewater were investigated. ATLAS Suntest CPS+ which simulates solar radiation was used as illumination source for the photocatalytic degradation of cyanide. ANOVA statistical test was carried out to understand the effectiveness of the variables. The degradation experiments were fitted to first order reaction law. The maximum degradation efficiency of cyanide was found to be 99.87% at pH of 10 and light intensity of 750W/m² by using 100mg/l cyanide initial concentration after 5hour irradiation.