A simple method for preparing Sb2S3/short-cut carbon fiber foam for the electrocatalytic degradation of dyes

Abstract

The unstarched short-cut carbon fiber (SCF) foam modified with Sb2S3 nanoparticles (Sb2S3/SCF foam) was synthesized by melamine foam as a template to apply in electro-degradation of methyl orange (MO) and a mixture of dyes. This process takes full advantage of the self-supported 3D SCF foam's mechanical stability and electrical conductivity while preventing the aggregation of unstarched SCF and Sb2S3 nanoparticles. The in-situ deposition and good dispersion of Sb2S3 nanoparticles expose catalytic active sites synergy with stable free-standing 3D SCF foam resulting in efficient degradation capability. The morphology, composition, structure, and hydrophilicity of Sb2S3/SCF foam were analyzed using SEM, EDS, XPS, XRD, Raman, PL, BET and contact angle tests. The Sb2S3/SCF foam is highly effective for degrading MO, with a degradation rate of 97.92 % achieved in just 4 hours at 2.4 V (vs. SCE). Additionally, it could simultaneously degrade mixed dyes including methyl orange (MO), crystal violet (CV), and methylene blue (MB) within 5 hours, achieving complete fade. Furthermore, the Sb2S3/SCF foam also possesses desirable features for large-scale practical applications and recycling in dye degradation.