The role of counter-anions in photocatalytic reduction of Ni (II) with a trace amount of titania nanoparticles

The reduction of Ni(II) ion, originated from nitrate or sulfate salts, was investigated based on photo-generated electrons in UV-irradiated TiO2 aqueous suspensions. Design of experiments, modeling, and process optimization were performed using central composite design of response surface methodology. Influence of pH, temperature, and nickel concentration was investigated based on percentage of reduction efficiency (RE). Under operating conditions of pH = 9.3, T = 40 °C, [Ni(II)]o = 5 mg L−1, [TiO2] = 100 mg L−1 and after 90 min treatments, 64.8 and 76.1 % RE were achieved for nitrate and sulfate counter-anions, respectively. The higher efficiency obtained with sulfate anion was attributed to the more ionic strength and its interaction with titania nanoparticles. Rate of Ni(II) ions reduction, originated from both of the nickel salts, obeys pseudo-first-order kinetic model. As a relevant criterion, the electrical energy consumption and other criteria were evaluated and were compared with other previously reported processes.