Constructing core-shell structured Co₃O₄-MnWO₄ composite photoelectrode with superior PEC water purification...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Semiconductor photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) technology is vital for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in wastewater treatment.
• Selecting effective semiconductor photoanodes is critical for optimizing PEC performance in pollutant degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a core-shell structured Co3O4-MnWO4 photoelectrode for enhanced PEC removal of organic pollutants.
• To evaluate the efficiency, stability, and practical applicability of the novel photoelectrode in treating real wastewater.

Main Methods:

• A two-step hydrothermal process was used to synthesize the Co3O4-MnWO4 core-shell nanostructure.
• Photoelectrocatalytic degradation experiments were conducted using KN-R dye and actual wastewater samples.
• Performance metrics including degradation efficiency, stability, energy consumption, and COD removal were measured.

Main Results:

• The optimized Co3O4-MnWO4-5 photoelectrode achieved ~91.2% KN-R degradation in 2 hours with high stability (~9100 s lifetime).
• Real wastewater treatment showed 83% COD removal and 98% decolorization with low energy consumption (4.48 kWhm-3).
• Enhanced PEC performance is attributed to favorable band structure, higher OEP, larger surface area, and improved charge carrier transport.

Conclusions:

• The rationally designed core-shell Co3O4-MnWO4 architecture exhibits excellent PEC performance for organic pollutant degradation.
• The developed photoelectrode demonstrates significant potential for practical application in industrial wastewater treatment.
• The study highlights the importance of material design in advancing PEC technology for environmental remediation.