A groundbreaking study led by Reno Pratiwi from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Universitas Indonesia has unveiled a novel approach to enhancing wastewater treatment processes, with significant implications for the construction sector. The research focuses on the development of a CdS/TNTA nanocomposite that significantly improves the simultaneous processes of electrocoagulation and photocatalysis, specifically targeting the removal of ciprofloxacin—a common pharmaceutical contaminant—and the production of hydrogen gas.
The integration of cadmium sulfide (CdS) with a titanium dioxide nanotube array (TNTA) creates a heterojunction mechanism designed to enhance photocatalytic efficiency by minimizing electron-hole recombination. This innovative synthesis has shown promising results, with ciprofloxacin removal rates increasing from 7.9% to 13.8% and hydrogen production surging from 0.006 to 0.156 mmol/m² plate when compared to TNTA alone. In optimized settings, the combined electrocoagulation and photocatalysis system yielded a remarkable 44% increase in hydrogen gas production—from 443 to 636 mmol/m² plate—while simultaneously improving ciprofloxacin removal from 79% to 83%.
Pratiwi emphasizes the potential of this research, stating, “The synthesis of CdS/TNTA photocatalysts may not only facilitate effective wastewater treatment but also contribute to sustainable hydrogen recovery, which is vital for future energy solutions.” This dual benefit of enhanced pollutant removal and renewable energy production positions the CdS/TNTA nanocomposite as a game-changer for industries that rely heavily on water usage and waste management.
For the construction sector, the implications are profound. As building projects increasingly face scrutiny over environmental impacts, incorporating advanced wastewater treatment technologies like the CdS/TNTA system could improve compliance with regulations and enhance sustainability credentials. Moreover, the potential for hydrogen production aligns with the growing interest in hydrogen as a clean energy source, paving the way for innovative energy solutions in construction and beyond.
The research has been published in “Materials Science for Energy Technologies” (translated from its original title), highlighting the growing intersection of materials science and energy technologies in addressing global challenges. As industries look for ways to innovate and reduce their environmental footprints, studies like this one provide a glimpse into the future of sustainable practices in construction and other sectors.
For more information on the research and its implications, visit the Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Indonesia.
