Thermodynamics Analysis and Removal of P in a P-(M)-H2O System

In order to efficiently remove phosphorus, thermodynamic equilibrium diagrams of the P-H₂O system and P-M-H₂O system (M stands for Fe, Al, Ca, Mg) were analyzed by software from Visual MINTEQ to identify the existence of phosphorus ions and metal ions as pH ranged from 1 to 14. The results showed that the phosphorus ions existed in the form of H₃PO₄, H₂PO₄⁻, HPO₄²⁻, and PO₄³⁻. Among them, H₂PO₄⁻ and HPO₄²⁻ were the main species in the acidic medium (99% at pH = 5) and alkaline medium (97.9% at pH = 10). In the P-Fe-H₂O system ((P) = 0.01 mol/L, (Fe³⁺) = 0.01 mol/L), H₂PO₄⁻ was transformed to FeHPO₄⁺ at pH = 0–7 due to the existence of Fe³⁺ and then transformed to HPO₄²⁻ at pH > 6 as the Fe³⁺ was mostly precipitated. In the P-Ca-H₂O system ((P) = 0.01 mol/L, (Ca²⁺) = 0.015 mol/L), the main species in the acidic medium was CaH₂PO₄⁺ and HPO₄²⁻, and then transformed to CaPO₄⁻ at pH > 7. In the P-Mg-H₂O system ((P) = 0.01 mol/L, (Mg²⁺) = 0.015 mol/L), the main species in the acidic medium was H₂PO₄⁻ and then transformed to MgHPO₄ at pH = 5–10, and finally transformed to MgPO₄⁻ as pH increased. The verification experiments (precipitation experiments) with single metal ions confirmed that the theoretical analysis could be used to guide the actual experiments.     

Evaluation of the impact of phosphate salts on the formation of ionic-liquid-based aqueous biphasic systems

The present study aims at evaluating the capability of phosphate-based salts, whose anions can coexist in water depending on the media pH, to promote aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) formation with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids, as well as to infer on the influence of the ionic liquid anion in the overall process of liquid–liquid demixing. In this context, novel phase diagrams of ABS composed of several imidazolium-based ionic liquids and three phosphate salts and a mixture of salts (K₃PO₄, K₂HPO₄, K₂HPO₄ + KH₂PO₄, and KH₂PO₄) were determined by the cloud point titration method at 298 K and atmospheric pressure. The corresponding tie-line compositions, tie-line lengths, and pH values of the coexisting phases were also determined. The ionic liquids ability to promote ABS is related with the hydrogen-bond basicity of the composing anion – the lower it is the higher the ability of the ionic fluid to undergo liquid–liquid demixing. Moreover, similar patterns on the ionic liquids sequence were observed with the different phosphate salts. The phosphate anion charge plays a determinant role in the formation of ABS. The two-phase formation aptitude (with a similar ionic liquid) decreases in the rank: K₃PO₄ > K₂HPO₄ > K₂HPO₄ + KH₂PO₄ > KH₂PO₄. Yet, besides the charge of the phosphate anion, the pH and ionic strength of the aqueous media also influence the phase separation ability.     

Coupled diffusion produced by hydrolysis of aqueous potassium phosphate

Conductimetric and diaphragm cell techniques have been used to measure diffusion of aqueous potassium phosphate solutions at 25°C from 0.01 to 0.10 mol-dm^–3 (M). A significant portion of the aqueous K₃PO₄ component diffuses as equimolar amounts of potassium hydrogen phosphate and potassium hydroxide produced by hydrolysis: K₃PO₄+H₂O=K₂HPO₄+KOH. Because OH^– diffuses more rapidly than HPO ₄ ^2– , the total flow of KOH exceeds the flow of K₂HPO₄. The extra flow of KOH constitutes coupled transport of a second solute component. Ternary diffusion coefficients that describe interacting flows of K₃PO₄ and KOH components are reported. At low concentrations where phosphate is strongly hydrolyzed, the molar flux of the KOH component produced by diffusion of K₃PO₄ is six times larger than the flux of the K₃PO₄ component. Binary diffusion coefficients for aqueous K₂HPO₄ solutions are also reported. It is shown that ternary transport coefficients for K₃PO₄ solutions can be estimated from the properties of binary solutions of K₂HPO₄ and KOH.     

Critical Reappraisal of Methods for Measuring Urine Saturation with Calcium Salts

Background: Metabolic and physicochemical evaluation is recommended to manage the condition of patients with nephrolithiasis. The estimation of the saturation state (β values) is often included in the diagnostic work-up, and it is preferably performed through calculations. The free concentrations of constituent ions are estimated by considering the main ionic soluble complexes. It is contended that this approach is liable to an overestimation of β values because some complexes may be overlooked. A recent report found that β values could be significantly lowered upon the addition of new and so far neglected complexes, [Ca(PO₄)Cit]⁴⁻ and [Ca₂H₂(PO₄)₂]. The aim of this work was to assess whether these complexes can be relevant to explaining the chemistry of urine. Methods: The Ca–phosphate–citrate aqueous system was investigated by potentiometric titrations. The stability constants of the parent binary complexes [Cacit]⁻ and [CaPO₄]⁻, and the coordination tendency of PO₄³⁻ toward [Ca(cit)]⁻ to form the ternary complex, were estimated. β_CaOx and β_CaHPO4 were then calculated on 5 natural urines by chemical models, including or not including the [CaPO₄]⁻ and [Ca(PO₄)cit]⁴⁻ species. Results: Species distribution diagrams show that the [Ca(PO₄)cit]⁴⁻ species was only noticeable at pH > 8.5 and below 10% of the total calcium. β values estimated on natural urine were slightly lowered by the formation of [CaPO₄]⁻ species, whereas [Ca(PO₄)cit]⁴⁻ results were irrelevant. Conclusions: While [CaPO₄]⁻ species have an impact on saturation levels at higher pHs, the existence of ternary complex and of the dimer is rejected.     

Thermodynamics of aqueous solutions of poly ethylene glycol di-methyl ethers in the presence or absence of ammonium phosphate salts

Precise measurements of density and sound velocity at different temperatures ranging from 283.15 to 308.15 K for solutions of PEGDME250, PEGDME500 and PEGDME2000 in water and of PEGDME500 in aqueous solutions of 0.500 mol kg⁻¹ ammonium di-hydrogen phosphate ((NH₄)H₂PO₄) and di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate ((NH₄)₂HPO₄), binodal curves at temperature ranges 293.15-318.15 K for the aqueous PEGDME500 + (NH₄)₂HPO₄, PEGDME500 + (NH₄)₃PO₄, PEGDME2000 + (NH₄)H₂PO₄, PEGDME2000 + (NH₄)₂HPO₄, PEGDME2000 + (NH₄)₃PO₄ and PPG400 + (NH₄)₂HPO₄ two-phase systems, and liquid-liquid equilibrium data at temperature ranges 298.15-318.15 K for the aqueous PEGDME500 + (NH₄)₂HPO₄ and PEGDME2000 + (NH₄)₂HPO₄ two-phase systems have been taken. From the experimental density and sound velocity data, the apparent specific volume, excess specific volume, isentropic compressibility and isentropic compressibility deviation values have been determined and the effect of temperature, charge on the anion of electrolytes and molar mass of PEGDME on the volumetric and compressibility properties of the investigated polymer solutions as well as on the salting-out effect of PEGDMEs produced by ammonium phosphate salts has been studied.     

Coordination Chemistry of a Bis(Tetrazine) Tweezer: A Case of Host-Guest Behavior with Silver Salts

The carbon-carbon cross-coupling of phenyl s-tetrazine (Tz) units at their ortho-phenyl positions allows the formation of constrained bis(tetrazines) with original tweezer structures. In these compounds, the face-to-face positioning of the central tetrazine cores is reinforced by π-stacking of the electron-poor nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic moieties. The resulting tetra-aromatic structure can be used as a weak coordinating ligand with cationic silver. This coordination generates a set of bis(tetrazine)-silver(I) coordination complexes tolerating a large variety of counter anions of various geometries, namely, PF₆⁻, BF₄⁻, SbF₆⁻, ClO₄⁻, NTf₂⁻, and OTf⁻. These compounds were characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and in solution by ¹H-NMR, mass spectrometry, electroanalysis, and UV-visible absorption spectrophotometry. The X-ray crystal structure of complexes {[Ag(3)][PF₆]}_∞ (4) and {[Ag(3)][SbF₆]}_∞ (6), where 3 is 3,3′-[(1,1′-biphenyl)-2,2′-diyl]-6,6′-bis(phenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, revealed the formation of 1D polymeric chains, characterized by an evolution to a large opening of the original tweezer and a coordination of silver(I) via two chelating nitrogen atom and some C=C π-interactions. Electrochemical and UV spectroscopic properties of the original tweezer and of the corresponding silver complexes are reported and compared. ¹H-NMR titrations with AgNTf₂ allowed the determination of the stoichiometry and apparent stability of two solution species, namely [Ag(3)]⁺ and [Ag(3)₂]²⁺, that formed in CDCl₃/CD₃OD 2:1 v/v mixtures.     

Reduced inorganic phosphorus in the natural environment: significance, speciation and determination

It is commonly assumed that phosphorus occurs almost exclusively in the environment as fully oxidized phosphate (primarily H₂PO₄⁻ and HPO₄²⁻, where the oxidation state of phosphorus is +V). Recent developments in the field of microbiology and research on the origin of life have suggested a possibly significant role for reduced, inorganic forms of phosphorus in bacterial metabolism and as evolutionary precursors of biological phosphate compounds. Reduced inorganic forms of phosphorus include phosphorus acid (H₃PO₃, P(+III)), hypophosphorus acid (H₃PO₂, P(+I)) and various forms of phosphides (P(−III)). Reduced phosphorus has been detected in anaerobic sediments, sewage treatment facilities and in industrial and agricultural processes.Microbiological evidence suggests a significant role for reduced phosphorus species in metabolic processes and raises interesting questions regarding the biogeochemistry of this nutrient in the environment. However, the paucity of data on the presence and cycling of reduced phosphorus compounds in the environment requires attention in order to elucidate the role of these compounds in natural systems. This paper discusses the significance of reduced phosphorus in the natural environment, its speciation and methods of detection.     

Single‐Site Copper(II) Water Oxidation Electrocatalysis: Rate Enhancements with HPO42− as a Proton Acceptor at pH 8

The complex Cu^II(Py₃P) ( 1 ) is an electrocatalyst for water oxidation to dioxygen in H₂PO₄^?/HPO₄^2? buffered aqueous solutions. Controlled potential electrolysis experiments with 1 at pH 8.0 at an applied potential of 1.40 V versus the normal hydrogen electrode resulted in the formation of dioxygen (84 % Faradaic yield) through multiple catalyst turnovers with minimal catalyst deactivation. The results of an electrochemical kinetics study point to a single‐site mechanism for water oxidation catalysis with involvement of phosphate buffer anions either through atom–proton transfer in a rate‐limiting O? O bond‐forming step with HPO₄^2? as the acceptor base or by concerted electron–proton transfer with electron transfer to the electrode and proton transfer to the HPO₄^2? base.     

Magnetite solubility and phase stability in alkaline media at elevated temperatures

A platinum-lined flowing autocláve facility was used to investigate the solubility behavior of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) in alkaline sodium phosphate and ammonium hydroxide solutions between 21 and 288°C. Measured iron solubilities were interpreted via a Fe(II)/Fe(III) ion hydroxo-, phosphato-, and ammino-complexing model and thermodynamic functions for these equilibria were obtained from a least-squares analysis of the data. A total of 14 iron ion species were fitted. Complexing equilibria are reported for 8 new species: Fe(OH)(HPO₄)^–, Fe(OH)₂(HPO₄)^2–, Fe(OH)₃(HPO₄)^2–, Fe(OH)(NH₃)⁺, Fe(OH)₂(PO₄)^3–, Fe(OH)₄(HPO₄)^3–, Fe(OH)₂(H₂PO₄)^–, and Fe(OH)₃(H₂PO₄)^3–. At elevated temperatures, hydrolysis and phosphato complexing tended to stabilize Fe(III) relative to Fe(II), as evidenced by free energy changes fitted to the oxidation reactions.

Recognition competes with hydration in anion-triggered monolayer formation of cyanostar supra-amphiphiles at aqueous interfaces

The triggered self-assembly of surfactants into organized layers at aqueous interfaces is important for creating adaptive nanosystems and understanding selective ion extraction. While these transformations require molecular recognition, the underlying driving forces are modified by the local environment in ways that are not well understood. Herein, we investigate the role of ion binding and ion hydration using cyanosurf, which is composed of the cyanostar macrocycle, and its binding to anions that are either size-matched or mis-matched and either weakly or highly hydrated. We utilize the supra-amphiphile concept where anion binding converts cyanosurf into a charged and amphiphilic complex triggering its self-organization into monolayers at the air–water interface. Initially, cyanosurf forms aggregates at the surface of a pure water solution. When the weakly hydrated and size-matched hexafluorophosphate (PF₆⁻) and perchlorate (ClO₄⁻) anions are added, the macrocycles form distinct monolayer architectures. Surface-pressure isotherms reveal significant reorganization of the surface-active molecules upon anion binding while infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy show the ion-bound complexes are well ordered at the interface. Vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy shows the water molecules in the interfacial region are highly ordered in response to the charged monolayer of cyanosurf complexes. Consistent with the importance of recognition, we find the smaller mis-matched chloride does not trigger the transformation. However, the size-matched phosphate (H₂PO₄⁻) also does not trigger monolayer formation indicating hydration inhibits its interfacial binding. These studies reveal how anion-selective recognition and hydration both control the binding and thus the switching of a responsive molecular interface.

The selective binding of anions transform macrocycles into amphiphiles that form monolayers on the surface of water depending upon the relative roles of anion hydration and anion recognition.     

Chromium(III) Hydroxide Solubility in The Aqueous Na+-OH?-H2PO?4-HPO2?4-PO3?4-H2O System: A Thermodynamic Model

Chromium(III)-phosphate reactions are expected to be important in managing high-level radioactive wastes stored in tanks at many DOE sites. Extensive studies on the solubility of amorphous Cr(III) solids in a wide range of pH (2.8–14) and phosphate concentrations (10^–4 to 1.0 m) at room temperature (22±2)°C were carried out to obtain reliable thermodynamic data for important Cr(III)-phosphate reactions. A combination of techniques (XRD, XANES, EXAFS, Raman spectroscopy, total chemical composition, and thermodynamic analyses of solubility data) was used to characterize solid and aqueous species. Contrary to the data recently reported in the literature,⁽¹⁾ only a limited number of aqueous species [Cr(OH)₃H₂PO^–₄, Cr(OH)₃(H₂PO₄)^2–₂), and Cr(OH)₃HPO^2–₄] with up to about four orders of magnitude lower values for the formation constants of these species are required to explain Cr(III)-phosphate reactions in a wide range of pH and phosphate concentrations. The log K^o values of reactions involving these species [Cr(OH)₃(aq)+H₂PO^–₄⇌Cr(OH)₃H₂PO^–₄; Cr(OH)₃(aq)+2H₂PO^–₄⇌Cr(OH)₃(H₂PO₄)^2–₂; Cr(OH)₃(aq)+HPO^2–₄⇌Cr(OH)₃HPO^2–₄] were found to be 2.78±0.3, 3.48±0.3, and 1.97±0.3, respectively.     

Kinetics and mechanism of protection of thymine from phosphate radical anion under anoxic conditions

The rates of photooxidation of thymine in the presence of peroxydiphosphate (PDP) have been determined by measuring the absorbance of thymine at 264 nm spectrophotometrically. The rates and the quantum yields (φ) of oxidation of thymine by phosphate radical anion have been determined in the presence of different concentrations of dithiothreitol (DTT). An increase in DTT is found to decrease the rate of oxidation of thymine, suggesting that DTT acts as an efficient scavenger of PO₄^·2? and protects thymine from it. Phosphate radical anion competes for thymine as well as DTT; the rate constant for the phosphate radical anion with DTT has been calculated to be 2.21 × 10⁹ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1, assuming the rate constant of phosphate radical anion reaction with thymine as 9.6 × 10⁷ dm³ mol^?1 s^?1. The quantum yields of photooxidation of thymine have been calculated from the rates of oxidation of thymine and the light intensity absorbed by PDP at 254 nm, the wavelength at which PDP is activated to phosphate radical anion. From the results of experimentally determined quantum yields (φ_exptl) and the quantum yields calculated (φ_cl), assuming DTT acts only as a scavenger of PO₄^·2? radicals, show that φ_exptl values are lower than φ_cl values. The φ′ values, which are experimentally found quantum yield values at each DTT concentration and corrected for PO₄^·2? scavenging by DTT, are also found to be greater than φ_exptl values. These observations suggest that the thymine radicals are repaired by DTT in addition to scavenging of phosphate radical anions. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 271–275, 2001     

Nonspherical anion sequestration by C–H hydrogen bonding

Macrocyclic arenes laid the foundations of supramolecular chemistry and their study established the fundamentals of noncovalent interactions. Advancing their frontier, here we designed rigidified resorcin[4]arenes that serve as hosts for large nonspherical anions. In one synthetic step, we vary the host''s anion affinity properties by more than seven orders of magnitude. This is possible by engineering electropositive aromatic C–H bond donors in an idealized square planar geometry embedded within the host''s inner cavity. The hydrogen atom''s electropositivity is tuned by introducing fluorine atoms as electron withdrawing groups. These novel macrocycles, termed fluorocages, are engineered to sequester large anions. Indeed, experimental data shows an increase in the anion association constant (K_a) as the number of F atoms increase. The observed trend is rationalized by DFT calculations of Hirshfeld Charges (HCs). Most importantly, fluorocages in solution showed weak-to-medium binding affinity for large anions like [PF₆]⁻ (10²< K_a <10⁴ M⁻¹), and high affinity for [MeSO₃]⁻ (K_a >10⁶).

Fluorocages: new class of rigidified host utilizing nontraditional C–H hydrogen bonds to capture the nonspherical anions.     

Solubility behavior of titanium(IV) oxide in alkaline media at elevated temperatures

A platinum-lined, flowing autoclave facility was used to investigate the solubility behavior of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in aqueous sodium phosphate, sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide solutions between 17 and 288°. Baseline Ti(IV) solubilities were found to be on the order of one nanomolal, which were enhanced by the formation of anionic hydroxo- and phosphato-complexes. The measured solubility behavior was examined via a titanium(IV) ion hydrolysis/complexing reaction equilibria were obtained from a least squares analysis of the data. The existence of three new Ti(IV) ion complexes is reported for the first time: Ti(OH)₄(HPO₄)^2–, Ti(OH)₅(H₂PO₄)^2– and Ti(OH)₅(HPO₄)^3–. The triply-charged anionic complex was the dominant Ti(IV) species in concentrated, alkaline phosphate solutions at elevated temperatures. This complex is expected to exhibit C.N.=4 (i.e., Ti(OH)₂OPO ₄ ^3– ). A summary of thermochemical properties for species in the systems TiO₂-H₂O and TiO₂-P₂O₅-H₂O is also provided.     

Zinc(II) oxide solubility and phase behavior in aqueous sodium phosphate solutions at elevated temperatures

A platinum-lined, flowing autoclave facility is used to investigate the solubility/phase behavior of zinc(II) oxide in aqueous sodium phosphate solutions at temperatures between 17 and 287°C. ZnO solubilities are observed to increase continuously with temperature and phosphate concentration. At higher phosphate concentrations, a solid phase transformation to NaZnPO₄ is observed. NaZnPO₄ solubilities are retrograde with temperature. The measured solubility behavior is examined via a Zn(II) ion hydrolysis/complexing model and thermodynamic functions for the hydrolysis/complexing reaction equilibria are obtained from a least-squares analysis of the data. The existence of two new zinc(II) ion complexes, Zn(OH)₂(HPO₄)^2– and Zn(OH)₃(H₂PO₄)^2–, is reported for the first time. A summary of thermochemical properties for species in the systems ZnO–H₂O and ZnO–Na₂O–P₂O₅–H₂O is also provided.     

Pseudo‐Isomerie durch unterschiedliche Jahn‐Teller‐Ordnung: Die Kristallstrukturen des Hemihydrats und des Monohydrats von (pyH)[MnF(H2PO4)(HPO4)]

Pseudo‐Isomerism by Different Jahn‐Teller Ordering: Crystal Structures of the Hemihydrate and the Monohydrate of (pyH)[MnF(H₂PO₄)(HPO₄)] With pyridinium counter cations (pyH⁺) the Mn^III fluoride phosphate anion [MnF(H₂PO₄)(HPO₄)]^— can be stabilized. It forms a chain structure with Mn³⁺ ions bridged by a fluoride ion and two bidentate phosphate groups. Under sleightly differing conditions either the hemihydrate (pyH)[MnF(H₂PO₄)(HPO₄)]·0.5H₂O ( 1 ) or the monohydrate (pyH)[MnF(H₂PO₄)(HPO₄)]·H₂O ( 2 ) is formed. The hemihydrate 1 crystallizes monoclinic in space group P2₁/n, Z = 8, a = 7.295(1), b = 17.052(2), c = 18.512(3) Å, β = 100.78(1)°, R = 0.033, the monohydrate triclinic in space group P1¯, Z = 2, a = 7.374(1), b = 8.628(1), c = 10.329(1) Å, α = 83.658(8)°, β = 77.833(9)°, γ = 68.544(8)°, R = 0.025. Whereas the topology of the chain anions is identical in both structures, the Jahn‐Teller effect is expressed in different ordering patterns: in 1 antiferrodistortive ordering of [MnF₂O₄] octahedra is observed, with alternating elongation of an F—Mn—F‐axis or a O—Mn—O‐axis, respectively. This leads to asymmetrical Mn—F—Mn‐bridges. In 2 ferrodistortive ordering is found, with elongation of all octahedra along the F—Mn—F‐axis. Thus, symmetrical bridges are formed with long Mn—F distances. This unusual pseudo‐isomerism is attributed to the differing influence of inter‐chain hydrogen bonds.     

Anion–Anion Interactions in Aerogen-Bonded Complexes. Influence of Solvent Environment

Ab initio calculations are applied to the question as to whether a AeX₅⁻ anion (Ae = Kr, Xe) can engage in a stable complex with another anion: F⁻, Cl⁻, or CN⁻. The latter approaches the central Ae atom from above the molecular plane, along its C₅ axis. While the electrostatic repulsion between the two anions prevents their association in the gas phase, immersion of the system in a polar medium allows dimerization to proceed. The aerogen bond is a weak one, with binding energies less than 2 kcal/mol, even in highly polar aqueous solvent. The complexes are metastable in the less polar solvents THF and DMF, with dissociation opposed by a small energy barrier.     

Precise Conductance Measurements on Dilute Aqueous Solutions of Sodium and Potassium Hydrogenphosphate and Dihydrogenphosphate

Precise conductance measurements are reported on dilute aqueous solutions of the sodium and potassium salts of orthophosphoric acid at 25 ^∘C. Conductance measurements on solutions of electrolytes such as these phosphate salts that exist in solution as complicated mixtures of ions have previously proved difficult to interpret. To overcome this, a mathematical method has been developed to calculate the concentrations of all the species in the aqueous system M₃PO₄/M₂HPO₄/M₂HPO₄/H₃PO₄ (M = Na or K) over a continuous range of stoichiometries. The Lee–Wheaton conductance equation has been used to interpret the conductance of these multicomponent solutions in terms of the limiting ionic conductances and concentrations of all the ions in the solution. The limiting molar conductances of the ions H₂PO₄ ⁻ and HPO₄ ²⁻ and the ion-pair formation constants of these ions with sodium and potassium ions were determine This work has enabled the accurate determination of solution parameters for the important hydrogenphosphate ions in water and provides an excellent example of the use of an advanced conductance theory in the analysis of the conductance of multicomponent electrolyte systems.     

Effect of inorganic anions on the titanium dioxide-based photocatalytic oxidation of aqueous ammonia and nitrite

In this study, we investigated the effects of four inorganic anions (Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, H₂PO₄⁻/HPO₄²⁻, and HCO₃⁻/CO₃²⁻) on titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based photocatalytic oxidation of aqueous ammonia (NH₄⁺/NH₃) at pH ∼ 9 and ∼10 and nitrite (NO₂⁻) over the pH range of 4–11. The initial rates of NH₄⁺/NH₃ and NO₂⁻ photocatalytic oxidation are dependent on both the pH and the anion species. Our results indicate that, except for CO₃²⁻, which decreased the homogeneous oxidation rate of NH₄⁺/NH₃ by UV-illuminated hydrogen peroxide, OH scavenging by anions and/or direct oxidation of NH₄⁺/NH₃ and NO₂⁻ by anion radicals did not affect rates of TiO₂ photocatalytic oxidation. While HPO₄²⁻ enhanced NH₄⁺/NH₃ photocatalytic oxidation at pH ∼ 9 and ∼10, H₂PO₄⁻/HPO₄²⁻ inhibited NO₂⁻ oxidation at low to neutral pH values. The presence of Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, and HCO₃⁻ had no effect on NH₄⁺/NH₃ and NO₂⁻ photocatalytic oxidation at pH ∼ 9 and ∼10, whereas CO₃²⁻ slowed NH₄⁺/NH₃ but not NO₂⁻ photocatalytic oxidation at pH ∼ 11. Photocatalytic oxidation of NH₄⁺/NH₃ to NO₂⁻ is the rate-limiting step in the complete oxidation of NH₄⁺/NH₃ to NO₃⁻ in the presence of common wastewater anions. Therefore, in photocatalytic oxidation treatment, we should choose conditions such as alkaline pH that will maximize the NH₄⁺/NH₃ oxidation rate.     

A Review on the Degradation of Pollutants by Fenton-Like Systems Based on Zero-Valent Iron and Persulfate: Effects of Reduction Potentials,pH, and Anions Occurring in Waste Waters

Among the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), the Fenton reaction has attracted much attention in recent years for the treatment of water and wastewater. This review provides insight into a particular variant of the process, where soluble Fe(II) salts are replaced by zero-valent iron (ZVI), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is replaced by persulfate (S₂O₈²⁻). Heterogeneous Fenton with ZVI has the advantage of minimizing a major problem found with homogeneous Fenton. Indeed, the precipitation of Fe(III) at pH > 4 interferes with the recycling of Fe species and inhibits oxidation in homogeneous Fenton; in contrast, suspended ZVI as iron source is less sensitive to the increase of pH. Moreover, persulfate favors the production of sulfate radicals (SO₄^•−) that are more selective towards pollutant degradation, compared to the hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) produced in classic, H₂O₂-based Fenton. Higher selectivity means that degradation of SO₄^•−-reactive contaminants is less affected by interfering agents typically found in wastewater; however, the ability of SO₄^•− to oxidize H₂O/OH⁻ to ^•OH makes it difficult to obtain conditions where SO₄^•− is the only reactive species. Research results have shown that ZVI-Fenton with persulfate works best at acidic pH, but it is often possible to get reasonable degradation at pH values that are not too far from neutrality. Moreover, inorganic ions that are very common in water and wastewater (Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻, CO₃²⁻, NO₃⁻, NO₂⁻) can sometimes inhibit degradation by scavenging SO₄^•− and/or ^•OH, but in other cases they even enhance the process. Therefore, ZVI-Fenton with persulfate might perform unexpectedly well in some saline waters, although the possible formation of harmful by-products upon oxidation of the anions cannot be ruled out.