Multi-hollow spherical CeO2 activates persulfate for heterogeneous degradation of organics

In this work, a multi-hollow spherical CeO2 material was prepared, which when combined with persulfate (PS) efficiently catalyzed the degradation of basic orange II (BOII) under visible light. In the CeO2/PS/Vis system, the degradation rate reached 99.70% within 15 min, which suggested very strong photocatalytic activity. The effects of pH and dissolved oxygen were evaluated to provide a basis for subsequent verification of free radicals. Superoxide radicals (O-2(center dot-)), hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH), and oxidative sulfate radicals (SO4 center dot-) generated in the process are conducive to efficient degradation. Afore mentioned radicals were proved by radical scavenging experiments with detection by electron spin-resonance spectroscopy, and the possible degradation pathways are proposed. In addition, after three consecutive degradation cycles, the degradation efficiency of the material was not less than 99%, which proved that the prepared multi-hollow spherical cerium oxide had high stability and recoverability.

Automated summary

A multi-hollow spherical CeO2 material was prepared and efficiently catalyzed the degradation of BOII when combined with PS under visible light, showing strong photocatalytic activity. The generated radicals contributed to efficient degradation, and the material exhibited high stability and recoverability.