Cu0@CuOx-NC modified Zn2In2S5 for photo-self-Fenton system coupling H2O2 in-situ production and decomposition

Although many concerns have been put into photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, multifunctional catalysis suitable for continuously in-situ H2O2 consumption in the field has rarely been investigated. Herein, Cu0@CuOx@nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon (Cu0@CuOx-NC) decorated Zn2In2S5 was successfully prepared for in-situ production and activation H2O2, which could achieve effectively photocatalytic self-Fenton degradation of tetracycline (TC). Under visible light irradiation, 5 wt% Cu0@CuOx-NC/Zn2In2S5 (CuZS-5) efficiently generated a high yield of H2O2 (0.13 mmol L-1), and Cu0@CuOx-NC could in-situ consume H2O2 to generate hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH), accelerating the oxidation of TC. As a result, the 5 wt% Cu0@CuOx-NC/ Zn2In2S5 degraded about 89.3% of TC within 60 min, and the cycle experiments also exhibited sufficient stability. This study achieves a delicate combination of in-situ production and activation of H2O2, which is regarded as a promising strategy to eco-friendly promote pollutant degradation in wastewater.

Automated summary

In this study, Cu0@CuOx@nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon (Cu0@CuOx-NC) decorated Zn2In2S5 was prepared for in-situ production and activation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), achieving efficient photocatalytic self-Fenton degradation of tetracycline (TC). The 5 wt% Cu0@CuOx-NC/Zn2In2S5 (CuZS-5) generated a high yield of H2O2 (0.13 mmol L-1) under visible light irradiation, and Cu0@CuOx-NC could consume H2O2 in-situ to generate hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH), accelerating the oxidation of TC. This study shows a promising strategy for eco-friendly pollutant degradation in wastewater.