High-efficiency RhB dye degradation using β-FeOOH nanorods via tribocatalysis

Abstract

Tribocatalysis respresents a transformative approach with significant implications for electrochemical innovations, sustainable energy technologies, and the efficient remediation of water contaminants. The practical implementation of such systems requries catalysts that combine superior performance with economic and enviromental viability. In this study, we investigate the tribocatalytic activity of β-FeOOH nanorods, systematically examining the effects of key morphological features, including diameter, surface area, and surface roughness. Our results reveal that the nanorods diameter critically influences catalytic performance, with the optimized (β-FeOOH-100 °C) catalyst exhibiting outstanding activity under ultrasonic vibration. This catalyst enables rapid degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) achieving complete mineralization within 30 minutes, a high rate constant of 0.19 min⁻¹, and excellent stability. Mechanistic studies indicate that friction-generated H⁺ ions facilitate the formation of reactive ˙OH and ˙O₂⁻ radicals, which drive efficient pollutant decomposition. Overall, this work elucidates the structure–activity relationship in tribocatalytic materials and positions β-FeOOH nanorods as a promising platform for leveraging mechanical energy in the treatment of organic-contaminated wastewater.