We are pleased to announce the recent publication of a study led by Prof. Herman Potgieter and Dr. Darlington Ashiegbu, in collaboration with David Nkhoesa, and Prof. Rudolph Erasmus, in Materials.
Overview of the Study
This study addresses the persistent issue of thiocyanate pollution in mining wastewater, a byproduct of the cyanidation process used in gold extraction. The research team developed a p-n heterojunction of zinc oxide (ZnO) and bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) to photodegrade thiocyanate ions efficiently under simulated solar conditions.
Key Findings
- Photocatalytic Efficiency: The ZnO-BiOI heterojunction exhibited remarkable photocatalytic efficiency, achieving complete degradation of thiocyanate ions within 30 minutes.
- Optimal Conditions: The degradation process was most effective at a neutral pH of 7, with the catalyst mass significantly influencing the reaction rate.
- Environmental Impact: This method offers a potential solution for the mining industry to eliminate harmful thiocyanates from wastewater, contributing to more sustainable and eco-friendly mining practices.
This publication marks a significant advancement in our efforts to develop sustainable technologies for environmental decontamination. We congratulate the research team for their innovative work and look forward to further advancements in this field.
For more details, please visit the full article: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153832