Preparing Co-Pi/BiVO4 for effective degradation of sulfur-containing organics in wastewater

Abstract

To effectively degrade sulfur-containing organics in wastewater, a stable and excellent composite catalyst CoO x /BiVO 4 (Co-Pi/BiVO 4 ) was prepared by electrodeposition in phosphate neutral buffer solution. With the optimized Co(NO 3 ) 2 :BiVO 4 of 1:3, the COD removal and desulfurization of the wastewater under visible light reached 80% and >78%, respectively. These values were higher than those achieved with CoO x /BiVO 4 and BiVO 4 in visible light. At the same time, the morphology, crystal form, chemical state, oxygen evolution, and electrical impedance of Co-Pi/BiVO 4 are tested and compared with related substances. It is concluded that Co-Pi/BiVO 4 has a strong oxidation and stability. Finally, the kinetic and degradation mechanisms of related catalysts are deeply analyzed, and the protonation pathways of hydroxyl radicals are constructed. • Co-Pi/BiVO 4 was prepared by electrodeposition in a phosphate buffered solution. • The degradation of Co-Pi/BiVO 4 was higher than that of CoO x /BiVO 4 in visible light. • The degradation rate of Co-Pi/BiVO 4 on high concentration of ethanethiol exceeds 78%. • Co-Pi/BiVO 4 may reduce the recombination of electron-hole and produce more ·OH.