Investigations into the surface chemistry of Arsenite with bifunctional metal oxides

This project investigates the potential application of metal oxides with both photo-oxidation and adsorption capacities for the scavenging of arsenic, particularly As(III), from groundwater sources. Currently working with mesoporous TiO2/Fe2O3 materials, the project will see characterisation of the adsorption process performed with a model capable of predicting adsorption capacities under a range of water conditions developed. The project will also characterise the photo-oxidation performance of the bicomposite materials with the aim to enhance As(III) oxidation rates through band-gap tuning, changes in the photocatalyst or the synthetic procedure, and optimising the irradiation setup. Adsorption and photo-oxidation will be combined through column investigations with the aim of engineering a device capable of efficient As(III) removal from real groundwater sources.