ISSN: 0256-1115 (print version) ISSN: 1975-7220 (electronic version)
Copyright © 2025 KICHE. All rights reserved

Overall

Language
English
Conflict of Interest
In relation to this article, we declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Publication history
Received January 8, 2025
Revised March 26, 2025
Accepted April 5, 2025
Available online August 25, 2025
articles This is an Open-Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright © KIChE. All rights reserved.

Most Cited

Enhanced Photocatalytic Reduction of Carcinogenic Bromate in Water Using Self‑Assembled Integration of Titanium Dioxide and Alpha‑Sulfur

Department of Environmental Engineering and Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University 1Department of Chemical Engineering and R&D Center for Membrane Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University 2Key Laboratory of Advanced Waste Treatment Technology and Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) 3Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) 4Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong
yflin@cycu.edu.tw, linky@nchu.edu.tw
Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, August 2025, 42(10), 2295-2307(13)
https://doi.org/

Abstract

Bromate (BrO₃⁻), a carcinogenic disinfection by-product, presents significant health risks, requiring its effective removal

from drinking water. Photocatalysis offers a promising method for reducing bromate to bromide (Br⁻). In this study, we

developed a novel composite material, aS/TiO₂ (aSTO), integrating TiO₂ nanoparticles onto the surface of alpha-sulfur (aS)

to enhance reduction under UV irradiation. The aSTO composite, with a bandgap energy of 2.69 eV, addresses the limitations

of pure TiO₂, such as limited UV absorption and agglomeration, which reduce its photocatalytic efficiency. We conducted

photocatalytic experiments to compare the performance of aSTO, TiO₂, and aS in bromate reduction. The experiments were

conducted under varying conditions, including different temperatures, pH levels, and the presence of co-existing anions

such as nitrate and phosphate. Recyclability tests were performed to assess the material’s reusability. The aSTO composite

outperformed both TiO₂ and aS, achieving up to 20 μmol/g of bromate removal at a dosage of 1500 mg/L over 120 min,

with significantly higher bromate removal compared to TiO₂ (~ 15 μmol/g) and aS (~ 5 μmol/g). The reduction of bromate

was accompanied by the stoichiometric formation of bromide, confirming the efficient conversion process. Its efficiency

improved under acidic conditions and elevated temperatures. Although co-existing anions slightly inhibited the process, aSTO

remained highly effective. Recyclability tests confirmed that aSTO retained its catalytic performance and structural integrity

over multiple cycles. Overall, aSTO shows great potential as a reusable photocatalyst for sustainable bromate removal in

real-world water treatment applications.

The Korean Institute of Chemical Engineers. F5,119, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
TEL. No. +82-2-458-3078FAX No. +82-507-804-0669E-mail : kiche@kiche.or.kr

Copyright (C) KICHE.all rights reserved.

- Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering 상단으로