Applications of waste-derived visibly active Fe-TiO2 composite incorporating the hybrid process of photocatalysis and photo-Fenton for the inactivation of E. coli

The study reports the applications of waste-derived visibly active Fe-TiO 2 composite for the inactivation of E. coli present in water. The Fe/TiO 2 catalyst holds remarkable properties of in situ hybrid effect via combining the TiO 2 -photocatalytic and photo-Fenton process in one system causing increased production of OH˚. The quantum yield (QY) and reaction rate constant of this hybrid process at 40 W m −2 (UV-A irradiation) were found to be significantly higher in less treatment time (45 min) of E. coli inactivation. 23% synergy of in situ hybrid process over single processes was also observed. The increase in the K + concentration at regular intervals confirmed the cell wall damage. In fully inactivated samples, no regrowth of cells was observed even after 24 and 48 h of dark study. Additionally, even after 100 recycles, the Fe/TiO 2 catalyst demonstrated an exceptional durability/recyclability efficacy. The findings of this study highlight the potential of the hybrid process as a viable idea for post-treatment of the wastewater that can be implemented effectively in practice.