Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Acid-etched coal fly ash/TiO2 nanocomposites with high photocatalytic degradation efficiency: a high value-added application of coal fly ash

  • Original Paper: Sol-gel and hybrid materials for catalytic, photoelectrochemical and sensor applications
  • Published:
Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Coal fly ash (CFA), as a kind of aluminosilicate-rich solid wastes that was generated by the combustion of coal, was used as support to load TiO2 nanoparticles to improve the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of textile dye with the advantage of low cost. In this article, a novel acid-etched coal fly ash/TiO2 nanocomposites photocatalyst was prepared by HCl etching followed by sol-gel method. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and UV–vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) techniques. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency were evaluated by using methyl orange as model. Compared with the CFA (no HCl etching)/TiO2 nanocomposites, the prepared CFA/TiO2 nanocomposites had much better photodegradation efficiency. The preparation and application of CFA/TiO2 nanocomposites will promote the high value-added application of CFA greatly.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

  • In this article, coal fly ash (CFA) was used as carrier to load TiO2 nanoparticles to improve the photocatalytic degradation efficiency.

  • The improved photocatalytic degradation efficiency was caused by the evenly distributed and unagglomerated TiO2 on the surfaces of coal fly ash as well as the rough surfaces of the modified CFA, which can scatter the irradiated ultraviolet many times.

  • The preparation and application of CFA/TiO2 nanocomposites promote the high value-added application of CFA greatly and eliminate the pollution caused by CFA.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Wu CY, Yu HF, Zhang HF (2012) Extraction of aluminum by pressure acid-leaching method from coal fly ash. Trans Nonferrous Met Soc China 22:2282–2288

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Tian S, Zhan ZH, Chen L (2018) Evolution of fly ash aluminosilicates in slagging deposition during oxy-coal combustion investigated by Al-27 magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance. Energy Fuels 32:12896–12904

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Xing YW, Guo FY, Xu MD, Gui XH, Li HS, Li GS, Xia YC, Han HS (2019) Separation of unburned carbon from coal fly ash: A review. Powder Technol 353:372–384

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Wu T, Chi M, Huang R (2014) Characteristics of CFBC fly ash and properties of cement-based composites with CFBC fly ash and coal-fired fly ash. Constr Build Mater 66:172–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Gollakota ARK, Volli V, Shu C-M (2019) Progressive utilisation prospects of coal fly ash: a review. Sci Total Environ 672:951–989

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Xu G, Shi X (2018) Characteristics and applications of fly ash as a sustainable construction material: A state-of-the-art review. Resour Conserv Recycling 136:95–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. ZP Li, G Xu, XM Shi, Reactivity of coal fly ash used in cementitious binder systems: A state-of-the-art overview, Fuel, 301 (2021).

  8. Ukwattage NL, Ranjith PG, Bouazza M (2013) The use of coal combustion fly ash as a soil amendment in agricultural lands (with comments on its potential to improve food security and sequester carbon). Fuel 109:400–408

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Jambhulkar HP, Shaikh SMS, Kumar MS (2018) Fly ash toxicity, emerging issues and possible implications for its exploitation in agriculture; Indian scenario: A review. Chemosphere 213:333–344

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Bukhari SS, Behin J, Kazemian H, Rohani S (2015) Conversion of coal fly ash to zeolite utilizing microwave and ultrasound energies: A review. Fuel 140:250–266

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Fukasawa T, Horigome A, Tsu T, Karisma AD, Maeda N, Huang AN, Fukui K (2017) Utilization of incineration fly ash from biomass power plants for zeolite synthesis from coal fly ash by hydrothermal treatment. Fuel Process Technol 167:92–98

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Makgabutlane B, Nthunya LN, Nxumalo EN, Musyoka NM, Mhlanga SD (2020) Microwave irradiation-assisted synthesis of zeolites from coal fly ash: an optimization study for a sustainable and efficient production process. Acs Omega 5:25000–25008

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Wang Q, Huang J-Y, Li H-Q, Zhao, AZ-J, Wang Y, Zhang K-Q, Sun H-T, Lai Y-K (2017) Recent advances on smart TiO2 nanotube platforms for sustainable drug delivery applications, Int J Of Nanomed. 12:151–165.

  14. Akhavan O, Ghaderi E (2009) Photocatalytic reduction of graphene oxide nanosheets on TiO2 thin film for photoinactivation of bacteria in solar light irradiation. J Phys Chem C 113:20214–20220

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Miyauchi M, Sunada K, Hashimoto K (2020) Antiviral effect of visible light-sensitive CuxO/TiO2 Photocatalyst. Catalysts 10:1–19.

  16. Akhavan O, Ghaderi E (2013) Flash photo stimulation of human neural stem cells on graphene/TiO2 heterojunction for differentiation into neurons. Nanoscale 5:10316–10326

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Li X, He J (2013) Synthesis of raspberry-like SiO2-TiO2 nanoparticles toward antireflective and self-cleaning coatings. Acs Appl Mater Interfaces 5:5282–5290

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Akhavan O, Saadati M, Jannesari M (2016) Graphene jet nanomotors in remote controllable self-propulsion swimmers in pure water. Nano Lett 16:5619–5630

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Xu C, Cui A, Xu Y, Fu X (2013) Graphene oxide-TiO2 composite filtration membranes and their potential application for water purification. Carbon 62:465–471

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Victorious A, Clifford A, Saha S, Zhitomirsky I, Soleymani L (2019) Integrating TiO2 nanoparticles within a catecholic polymeric network enhances the photoelectrochemical response of biosensors. J Phys Chem C 123:16186–16193

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Liang Y, Ding H (2020) Mineral-TiO2 composites:Preparation and application in papermaking, paints and plastics. J of Alloys and Compounds, 844:1–23.

  22. Liang Y, Liu W, Ding H, Zhang H, Li W (2021) Rutile-perovskite multi-phase composite by mechano-chemical method together with calcination: Preparation and application in coatings and ceramic glaze. Ceram Int 47:2261–2269

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Liang Y, Ao W, Ding H, Shen K (2021) Characterization of talc/TiO2 composite particle material prepared by mechano-chemical method, Surface Rev And Lett 28;1–6.

  24. Luo C, Ren X, Dai Z, Zhang Y, Qi X, Pan C (2017) Present perspectives of advanced characterization techniques in TiO2-based photocatalysts. Acs Appl Mater Interfaces 9:23265–23286

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Malakootian M, Nasiri A, Gharaghani MA (2020) Photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin antibiotic by TiO2 nanoparticles immobilized on a glass plate. Chem Eng Commun 207:56–72

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Reda SM, Khairy M, Mousa MA (2020) Photocatalytic activity of nitrogen and copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles prepared by microwave-assisted sol-gel process. Arab J Chem 13:86–95

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Liang Y, Chen W, Yang G, Ding H, Hou X, Ran J (2019) Preparation and characterization of TiO2/sericite composite naterial with favorable pigments properties, Surface Rev And Lett 26:1–12.

  28. Liang Y, Li W, Wang X, Zhou R, Ding H (2022) TiO2-ZnO/Au ternary heterojunction nanocomposite: Excellent antibacterial property and visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency. Ceram Int 48:2826–2832

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Reddy NL, Emin S, Kumari VD, Venkatakrishnan SM (2018) CuO Quantum Dots Decorated TiO2 Nanocomposite Photocatalyst for Stable Hydrogen Generation. Ind Eng Chem Res 57:568–577

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Martins NCT, Angelo J, Girao AV, Trindade T, Andrade L, Mendes A (2016) N-doped carbon quantum dots/TiO2 composite with improved photocatalytic activity. Appl Catal B-Environ 193:67–74

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Zhang G, Sun Z, Duan Y, Ma R, Zheng S (2017) Synthesis of nano-TiO2/diatomite composite and its photocatalytic degradation of gaseous formaldehyde. Appl Surf Sci 412:105–112

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Wang B, Zhang G, Leng X, Sun Z, Zheng S (2015) Characterization and improved solar light activity of vanadium doped TiO2/diatomite hybrid catalysts. J Hazard Mater 285:212–220

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Padmanabhan SK, Pal S, Haq EU, Licciulli A (2014) Nanocrystalline TiO2-diatomite composite catalysts: effect of crystallization on the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B. Appl Catal a-Gen 485:157–162

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Sun H, Peng T, Liu B, Xian H (2015) Effects of montmorillonite on phase transition and size of TiO2 nanoparticles in TiO2/montmorillonite nanocomposites. Appl Clay Sci 114:440–446

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Shahabi H, Allahrasani A, Naghizadeh A (2019) Photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen in aqueous solution in the presence of montmorillonite nanosheets modified with titanium dioxide. Desalination Water Treat 149:164–170

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Kang SZ, Wu T, Li XQ, Mu J (2010) Effect of montmorillonite on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles. Desalination 262:147–151

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Yan ZL, Fu LJ, Yang HM (2018) Functionalized 2D clay derivative: hybrid nanosheets with unique lead sorption behaviors and interface structure. Adv Mater Interfaces 5:1–9.

  38. Koci K, Matejka V, Kovar P, Lacny Z, Obalova L (2011) Comparison of the pure TiO2 and kaolinite/TiO2 composite as catalyst for CO2 photocatalytic reduction. Catal Today 161:105–109

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Li C, Zhu N, Dong X, Zhang X, Chen T, Zheng S, Sun Z (2020) Tuning and controlling photocatalytic performance of TiO2/kaolinite composite towards ciprofloxacin: Role of 0D/2D structural assembly. Adv Powder Technol 31:1241–1252

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province (No. 2021-MS-260).

Author information

Author notes

  1. These authors jointly supervised this work: Yu Liang, Hao Ding.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science and Technology, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, 110142, Liaoning Province, China

    Yu Liang, Song Chen & Zhanli Zhu

  2. Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China

    Yu Liang, Jiaxin Zhong & Hao Ding

  3. Party School of the CPC Dalian Jinpu New Area Committee, Dalian, 116100, China

    Shu Li

Authors
  1. Yu Liang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Song Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jiaxin Zhong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Hao Ding
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Zhanli Zhu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Shu Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yu Liang.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Liang, Y., Chen, S., Zhong, J. et al. Acid-etched coal fly ash/TiO2 nanocomposites with high photocatalytic degradation efficiency: a high value-added application of coal fly ash. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 103, 185–194 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-022-05822-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-022-05822-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation