To confront the complex challenges of removing trace and compound pollutants from wastewater, this research presents a novel photocatalyst, n-ZnO@p-LaFeO3/3DOM SiO2. Powered by visible light, this catalyst combines lanthanum ferrite and zinc oxide within a three-dimensional ordered macroporous silica framework. The 3DOM structure’s high surface area and porosity effectively concentrate pollutants, enhancing their interactions with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and notably reducing the ROS diffusion path. Impressively, it achieves over 96.5 % removal rates for both bisphenol A (BPA) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) at concentrations as low as 0.2 mg·L−1 within an hour. This study also discovers a synergistic effect in simultaneously oxidizing BPA and reducing Cr(VI). Moreover, it investigates the underlying mechanism, focusing on ROS generation and the crucial role of adsorption in the photocatalytic process. This study positions the presented photocatalyst as a promising solution to the intricate challenges of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), showcasing an efficient strategy for comprehensive wastewater treatment.
Read full abstract