ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Solar-driven photocatalytic removal of selenium from polluted water using carbon and silver co-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles

Yasser A. Shaban, Radwan Kh Al-Farawati, Yasar N. Kavil, Hamza R. Al-Farawati, and Mousa Zobidi

Marine Chemistry Department, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

E-mail: yasrsh@yahoo.com

Received: 28 January 2026  Accepted: 12 May 2026

Abstract:

This study focuses on the enhancement of photocatalytic removal of selenium, specifically selenite, using carbon and silver co-doped TiO₂ (C-Ag-TiO₂) nanoparticles under UV and natural sunlight. The synthesis of C-Ag-TiO₂ was achieved via a Sol-Gel method followed by thermal treatment, aiming to extend its photocatalytic activity into the visible light range and improve the removal efficiency. The prepared material was characterized by using SEM, EDS, XRD, and XPS. The optimization of experimental conditions was achieved, with a dosage of 1 g/L of C-Ag-TiO₂, pH 5, and a formic acid concentration of 50 ppm. Significant results were obtained for the kinetics and efficiency of selenite removal, highlighting the practical applicability of C-Ag-TiO₂ under real-world conditions. The use of C-Ag-TiO₂ under sunlight demonstrated considerable potential for the effective removal of selenium from water (Nearly 90%). The removal of selenite adheres to pseudo-first-order kinetics. The study’s findings suggest that the C-Ag-TiO₂ photocatalyst not only uphold the structural integrity and photocatalytic capabilities of TiO₂ but also demonstrate significant improvements in the removal of hazardous selenite from aqueous environments.

Keywords: Selenite; Photocatalysis; C-Ag-TiO2; Water treatment; Sol-Gel synthesis

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-05054-3

Chemical Papers 80 (9) 10921–10934 (2026)