Effective electro-Fenton-like process for phenol degradation on cerium oxide hollow spheres encapsulated in porous carbon cathode derived from skimmed cotton

The uniform size cerium dioxide hollow spheres which were prepared by the SiO2 hard template method were loaded on microporous porous carbon obtained by carbonization derived from skimmed cotton (CSC) for electro-Fenton-like degradation of phenol. The microstructures of CSC/CeO2 composite materials were characterized utilizing XRD, BET, XPS, SEM, and TEM. The electrochemical performance of the CSC/CeO2 cathodes was studied through cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The prepared CSC has a hollow tubular structure, and cerium dioxide is evenly loaded on the surface of the CSC in the form of uniform-sized hollow spheres. The CSC/CeO2 materials have a great specific surface area (287.73 m(2) g(-1)) and a uniform poresize. The electrochemical performance analysis demonstrated that the redox ability of the material greatly was improved by loading CeO2 on the porous carbon surface of the skimmed cotton. The load ratio of cerium dioxide hollow spheres affects the structure and properties of CSC/CeO2 materials. Ce3+ and Ce4+ were co-existed in CSC/CeO2, which promoted the generation of H2O2 and (OH)-O-center dot, and improved the catalytic activity of composite materials. The degradation efficiency of phenol reached 97.6% in 120 min, and the CSC/CeO2 cathode manifested excellent stability after being experimented 20 times. CSC/CeO2 composite material has great practical value in the treatment of phenolic wastewater and has promise for further application. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study focused on the preparation and performance of carbonized skimmed cotton loaded with cerium dioxide composite material, which showed excellent specific surface area and uniform pore size. Loading cerium dioxide can enhance the redox ability, promote the generation of H2O2 and (OH)-O-center dot, and improve catalytic activity, achieving a phenol degradation efficiency of up to 97.6%.