High-entropy selenide catalyst for degradation of organic pollutants

Abstract

In this study, pollution from sewage was addressed using a novel high-entropy material to decompose organic pollutants containing azo groups. Se_(AlCrCuFeNi) (Se_HEC) nanomaterials were employed as an active catalyst to restore organic pollution in aqueous solutions by using the electro-Fenton technique. The efficacy of Se_HEC catalysts in degrading pollutants during the electro-Fenton reaction and the potential of functionalized high-entropy materials to decompose pollutants were investigated. The Se_HEC material was synthesized through rapid calcination followed by selenization. This Se_HEC cathode demonstrated a remarkable removal efficiency of 98% for methyl orange in aqueous solutions and high stability in an acidic environment with a pH of 3. Additionally, the effects of various parameters, such as applied current and pH, were assessed. The results revealed that an increase in the current led to a higher reaction rate for the entire process, with the optimal conditions occurring at pH 3. The potential methyl orange degradation pathway was elucidated through a reactive oxygen species (ROS) test conducted during the electro-Fenton process.