Visible Light Active Structured Photocatalysts for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants : Science and Engineering

Visible Light Active Structured Photocatalysts for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants: Science and Engineering addresses the potential role of visible active photocatalytic processes for the removal of emerging contaminants. The book discusses the classification, sources and potential risks of emerging pollutants in water as well as the different synthesis methods of visible active structured photocatalysts with relation to their applications in photocatalytic processes for the removal of organic and inorganic emerging contaminants. Finally, the possible reaction pathways occurring during the visible or solar photocatalytic processes together with toxicity assessment are discussed.

The book is a useful guide for academics, researchers and technicians in chemical engineering, chemistry and environmental sciences.

• Defines emerging contaminants and what can be included in that group of contaminants commonly named "contaminants of emerging concern"
• Presents different synthesis methods of visible active structured photocatalysts and their applications in solar or visible light photocatalytic systems for the removal of organic and inorganic emerging contaminants
• Analyzes reaction pathways that occur during the visible or solar photocatalytic processes, also including toxicity assessments

Olga Sacco obtained her Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Salerno on 29 December 2008. She obtained her Master Degree in Chemical Engineering Processes, Safety and Environment at University of Rome “la Sapienza” on 28 October 2011. During Master’s thesis, she studied and developed a membrane system for the purification of tannery wastewater. From January 2012 till 2015 , she attended the PhD course in Chemical Engineering (research theme: "Photocatalytic treatment of wastewater”). From 5th of April up to the 8th of October 2013, she conducted research at the University of Cincinnati (Ohio, USA) under the supervision of Prof. Dionysios D. Dionysiou. The dissertation performed in University of Cincinnati dealt with “Improving the Photoactivity and Morphology of Metal and Non-metal-doped TiO2 Catalyst Supported on Phosphors Materials for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Emerging Contaminants”. During her PhD studies, she developed novel nanomaterials with interesting properties for water purification processes. She learned about removal of organic dyes, pesticides and pharmaceuticals in the aqueous environment by photocatalytic technologies. She has published her research results in several peer-reviewed journals including, International Journal of Photoenergy, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering and Chemical Engineering Journal.

Dr. Vaiano graduated in Chemical Engineering at the University of Naples "Federico II", with a final vote of 110/110 achieved on 15 December 2000. In 2005, he conducted research activities at the University of Bradford (UK) under the supervision of Prof. Roger I. Bickley (pioneer in the field of heterogeneous photocatalysis and author of numerous scientific papers on the study of photocatalysts). In March 2006 he received the title of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering (Thesis: "Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Selective Oxidation of Cyclohexane"). From 22 January 2007 to 2016 he was a Research Fellow at the University of Salerno (Projects: "Innovative applications of photocatalysis for the selective partial oxidation of hydrocarbons under mild conditions" and "Production of selective partial oxidation products by photocatalytic reactions"). Actually, he is Assistant Professor of Industrial Chemistry at Department of Industrial Engineering of University of Salerno. Since 2006, he gives assistance to the courses: “Industrial Chemistry”, “Industrial Catalysis” “Wastewater Treatment” and "Safety and Environment Protection In Chemical Processes". Dr. Vaiano is the keynote speaker of several theses in “Chemical Engineering” and “Civil Engineering for the Environment and Territory”. He is member of the editorial board of “Journal of Advanced Chemical Engineering”. The main lines of research deals with photocatalysis for sustainable chemistry and hydrogen production, photocatalytic and photo-Fenton processes for pollutants removal in wastewater, catalytic combustion of sewage sludge, decomposition and oxidative decomposition of H2S, hydrolysis of COS in liquid phase.