Application of a new lignin/cellulose carbon xerogel/ZnO/Bi2O3/Bi degrees composite photocatalyst for the degradation of bisphenol-A under sunlight

Author(s)

de Moraes, Nicolas Perciani ; Campos, Tiago Moreira Bastos ; Thim, Gilmar Patrocinio ; de Siervo, Abner ; Lanza, Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos ; Rodrigues, Liana Alvares

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHEMICAL PHYSICS IMPACT; v. 6, p. 11-pg., 2023-02-23.

Abstract

This work proposed the study of a new lignin/cellulose carbon xerogel/ZnO/Bi2O3/Bi degrees composite photocatalyst for the degradation of bisphenol-A under sunlight. The reasoning behind the application of each component is based on the formation of multiple heterojunctions (p-n heterojunction between semiconductors, metal-semiconductor heterojunction, and carbon-semiconductor heterojunction) to hinder the recombination of pho-togenerated charges during the photocatalytic process. The lignin/cellulose carbon xerogel was employed as both a solid electron mediator and a reducing agent, promoting the reduction of the bismuth oxide into metallic bismuth. The results obtained from the characterization tests confirm the formation of all the intended phases in the hybrid photocatalyst. Furthermore, the inclusion of the carbon xerogel led to morphological modifications such as the formation of plate-like particles and the increase of specific surface area. The efficient formation of the heterojunctions between the composing phases of the hybrid composite led to an enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of the bisphenol-A (BPA) molecule, under both simulated sunlight and visible light. The optimized composite achieved 84% degradation of the BPA under simulated sunlight and 27% under visible light irradiation, which is a great improvement in comparison to the pure ZnO, which obtained 55% degradation under simulated sunlight and 19% degradation under visible light. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the lignin/cellulose carbon xerogel/ZnO/Bi2O3/Bi degrees composite was further verified by chronoamperometry tests, which evidenced its greater photocurrent generation capabilities. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50945-4 - INCT 2014: National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies
• Grantee: Maria Valnice Boldrin
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/10118-0 - Study and application of electrochemical technology for the analysis and degradation of endocrine interferents: materials, sensors, processes and scientific dissemination
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/04058-2 - Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of pollutants (bisphenol-A, sulfamerazine, and 2,4-D) using H2O2 electrogenerated in carbonaceous matrices obtained from sustainable sources
• Grantee: Nicolas Perciani de Moraes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/10492-1 - Photocatalytic evaluation of heterojunctions semiconductor/ZnO/carbon xerogel in the photodegradation of 4-chlorophenol in both fluidized bed and batch reactors
• Grantee: Liana Alvares Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/16360-0 - Development of ZnO/Bi2O3/Carbon xerogel ternary composites as photocatalysts for the degradation of persistent organic pollutants
• Grantee: Nicolas Perciani de Moraes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate