Carbon nanotube-based electrocatalytic filtration membrane for continuous degradation of flow-through Bisphenol A

Abstract

Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are a group of persistent and toxic organic pollutants which can pose a significant threat to human endocrine system. Developing novel technique for contaminants removal or degradation is urgently needed. In this study, a three-dimensional porous membrane was fabricated based on the self-assembly of carbon nanotubes coated with bismuth-doped tin dioxide (Bi-SnO2) nanoparticles. The prepared Bi-SnO2/CNTM was evaluated for treatment of aqueous EDCs using Bisphenol A (BPA) as a model compound. The effect of Bi-SnO2 coating was proved with respect to enhanced BPA removal performance compared with pure CNTM. Furthermore, through in-depth investigation of generated intermediates during degradation process, the BPA degradation pathways were identified. The electrochemical degradation mechanism was also explored by adding radical scavengers and ·OH was determined to be prominent active radical for electrocatalytic degradation. These results indicate the potential of Bi-SnO2/CNTM to continuously and effectively treat EDCs residue in aquatic environment by a flow-through system.