Experimental and theoretical investigations of the photoelectrochemical and photo-Fenton properties of Co-doped FeOCl

Abstract

For the first time, two-dimensional FeOCl (Fe1−x Co x OCl) doped with Co was successfully applied to the photocatalytic and photo-Fenton degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The photocatalytic and photo-Fenton experiments showed that the degradation rates of RhB by Fe0.94Co0.06OCl are 82.6% and 98.2% within 50 min under neutral solution, room temperature and visible light. The inclusion of Co resulted in lattice imperfections on the surface of FeOCl, which was advantageous for the photogenerated electron–hole pair separation efficiency (consistent with the density functional theory calculation). Moreover, the RhB removal rate decreased from 98% to 82% during five successive cycles, showing good structural stability. Finally, based on the radical capture experiment, a potential mechanism for RhB degradation by Fe1−x Co x OCl catalyst was proposed. The idea of a synergistic mechanism for Fe1−x Co x OCl also offers a fresh concept for catalysts used in doping modification.