FexO4-enhanced degradation of bisphenol A in visible light/peroxydisulfate system: production of singlet state oxygen

In this study, ferrous composites (FexO4) were prepared by microreactor to activate peroxydisulfate (PDS) for the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) with visible (Vis) light irradiation. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to characterize the morphology and crystal phase of FeXO4. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy combined with amperometric tests were used to determine the role of PDS on the performance of photocatalytic reaction. The main reactive species and intermediates for BPA removal were determined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurement and quenching experiments. The result indicated that singlet state oxygen (O-1(2)) contributed more to the BPA degradation than that of other reactive radicals (center dot OH, SO4 center dot- and center dot O2-); these reactive radicals and O-1(2) formed by the reaction between photo-generated electrons (e(-)) and holes (h(+)) of FexO4 and PDS. During this process, the consumption of e(-) and h(+) also improved their separation efficiency and thus enhanced the degradation of BPA. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of FexO4 in Vis/FexO4/PDS system was 3.2-fold and 6.6-fold higher than that of single FexO4 and PDS under Vis light, respectively. The Fe2+/Fe3+ cycle could effectively drive the photocatalytic activation of PDS through indirect electron transfer and the formation of reactive radicals. This work illustrated that the degradation of BPA was rapidly in Vis/FexO4/PDS system mainly through O-1(2), which further improve our understanding on the efficient removal of organic contaminants in the environment.

Automated summary

In this study, ferrous composites were used to activate peroxydisulfate for the degradation of bisphenol A under visible light irradiation. Singlet state oxygen was found to be the main contributor to the degradation process, and the Fe2+/Fe3+ cycle enhanced the photocatalytic activity of peroxydisulfate. This research provides insights into the efficient removal of organic contaminants in the environment.