Synthesis and mechanistic insights of SiO2@WO3@Fe3O4 as a Novel Supported Photocatalyst for Wastewater Remediation under Visible Light

Abstract

A new optimized photocatalyst for wastewater remediation at neutral pH has been developed and fully characterized. The catalyst features microparticles of SiO2 as a supporting substrate and a uniform shell of WO3 nanoparticles externally decorated with Fe3O4 nanocrystals. The photocatalytic activity of SiO2@WO3@Fe3O4 was evaluated and compared to its SiO2@WO3 counterpart on the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light, with and without H2O2. Best results were obtained for SiO2@WO3@Fe3O4 in the presence of H2O2, whose potential for wastewater remediation was further evaluated on the photodegradation and mineralization of a contaminant of emerging concern such as diclofenac (DCF). Furthermore, a photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the performed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments, which provided evidence for the intermediates generated in all the involved photocatalytic processes. Hence it was proven that .OH is the species responsible for the photocatalyzed oxidation of MB and DCF. The generation of .OH is boosted by a synergistic effect between Fe3O4 and WO3 in the presence of light and H2O2.