Accelerating photocatalytic degradation of pollutants by electrochemical capacitive Co3O4/TiO2 nanopine arrays. Issue 2 (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiang, Zhen; Lu, Yongxin; Song, Yan-Yan; Gao, Zhida
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 11:Issue 2(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Self-discharge -- p-n junction -- Photoelectrocatalysis -- Interfacial charge transfer; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.109298
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: Organic pollution is a great threat to the environment and human beings. Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation has emerged as an effective strategy to remove organic pollutants. In this study, a p-Co3 O4 /n-TiO2 nanopine arrays-based PEC electrode is prepared on carbon cloth (CC) by a one-step hydrothermal method. Due to the heterojunction and nanopine-like structure, the resulting CC@Co3 O4 /TiO2 exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance and high capacitance. The charged CC@Co3 O4 /TiO2 exhibits superior photodegradation ability under visible light. Using tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) as a model pollutant, the degradation kinetic constant of SD-PEC increased to ∼200 % (60 min) by the traditional photocatalytic process (PC). The superior degradation ability of the synthesized arrays is attributed to the p-n junction between Co3 O4 and TiO2 . In addition, during the charging process, the Fermi level of Co3 O4 relative to the O/R energy level of the solution shifts downward. The holes (h + ) trapped in the Co3 O4 valence band migrate to the solid-liquid interface by the charging process and subsequently participates in the catalytic reaction. This work provides a new route for developing high-performance photocatalysts in the rapid degradation of pollutants. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: One-step grown well-aligned Co3 O4 /TiO2 nanopine arrays on carbon cloth. The capacitive feature of arrays facilitates photodegrading pollutants. p-n junction of Co3 O4 /TiO2 improves charge carrier separation. Carrier transfer is accelerated by capacitive discharging.