The application of photoelectrocatalysis in the degradation of rhodamine B in aqueous solutions: a review

The pollution of the water environment by industrial effluents is an ongoing challenge due to the rate of industrialisation and globalisation. Photoelectrocatalysis (PEC), an electrochemical advanced oxidation process, has proven to be an effective method for removing organics from wastewater. Photoelectrocatalysis is environmentally benign, cost-effective and easy to operate. In this present review, we examine the recent progress in the removal of rhodamine B dye, a common constituent of textile effluent released into the environment, through photoelectrocatalytic degradation. We present a detailed discussion on the use of different kinds of unmodified and modified photoanodes that have been explored for the photoelectrocatalytic removal of this dye. More importantly, discussions are presented on the mechanisms and kinetics of the degradation of rhodamine B dye using these photoanodes. Hence, this review will be beneficial for researchers in developing future projects in the area of wastewater treatments through photoelectrocatalysis.

Automated summary

The pollution of water environment by industrial effluents is an ongoing challenge. Photoelectrocatalysis has been proven to be an effective method for removing organics from wastewater, with its advantages of environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and easy operation. This review focuses on the recent progress in the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye and discusses different types of photoanodes used and the mechanisms and kinetics of degradation.