Fenton reaction by H2O2 produced on a magnetically recyclable Ag/CuWO4/NiFe2O4 photocatalyst

Abstract

The development of recyclable H₂O₂-producing photocatalysts with in situ Fenton-like organic pollutant degradation is currently a topical area of research. This research investigates the visible light photocatalytic formation of H₂O₂ on Ag/CuWO₄/NiFe₂O₄ composites. Investigations revealed that NiFe₂O₄ and CuWO₄ have staggered valence band (VB) and conduction band (CB) positions, with the former acting as the reduction component. Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that oxygen molecules (in an aqueous medium) have an affinity for the NiFe₂O₄ surface. Appropriate scavenger experiments and molecular dynamics results point to a Z-scheme mechanism. Substantial H₂O₂ formation occurred on continuous oxygen-passing through the aqueous reaction medium under visible light irradiation in pure water. This H₂O₂ successfully degraded tetracycline by an in situ (heterogeneous) Fenton-like reaction.