Remediation of 2,4-dichlorophenol contaminated water by visible light-enhanced WO3 photoelectrocatalysis

摘要: Abstract The application of semiconductor photocatalysis in waste water treatment has been intensively investigated over the past decade. Most studies involve titanium-based photocatalysts; however, practical applications are still limited by their poor visible light activity. As an alternative, a tungsten trioxide-based photoelectrocatalytic fuel cell (PECFC) with configuration based on proton exchange membrane (PEMFC) technology employed for pollutant remediation. In this study, degradation persistent chlorophenol (2,4-dichlorophenol) was assessed using active trioxide photocatalyst. degradative progress 2,4-DCP monitored period 24 h both chemical analysis and bacterial biosensor ( Escherichia coli HB101 pUCD607) toxicity assay. A 74% decrease concentration observed after 24 h, from which ca. 54% were accountable to processes 20% due losses adsorption or volatilisation. response correlated well reduction 2,4-DCP, but also indicated formation more toxic intermediates. HPLC–MS carried out study intermediate products. There indications occurrence stable dimers within first few hours process products higher than parent compound. Although potential PECFC, as sustainable method treatment, demonstrated, further work is required optimise new mineralisation organic contaminants.