Electron Scavenger Research Articles

The Photocatalytic Degradation of Enrofloxacin Using an Ecofriendly Natural Iron Mineral: The Relationship Between the Degradation Routes, Generated Byproducts, and Antimicrobial Activity of Treated Solutions

The use of ecofriendly natural minerals in photocatalytic processes to deal with the antimicrobial activity (AA) associated with antibiotics in aqueous systems is still incipient. Therefore, in this work, the capacity of a natural iron material (NIM) in photo-treatments, generating reactive species, to remove the antibiotic enrofloxacin and decrease its associated AA from water is presented. Initially, the fundamental composition, oxidation states, bandgap, point of zero charge, and morphological characteristics of the NIM were determined, denoting the NIM’s feasibility for photocatalytic processes. Consequently, the effectiveness of different advanced processes such as using solar light with the NIM (Light–NIM) and solar light with the NIM and H2O2 (Light–NIM–H2O2) to reduce AA was evaluated. The NIM acts as a semiconductor under solar light, effectively degrading enrofloxacin (ENR) and reducing its AA, although complete elimination was not achieved. The addition of hydrogen peroxide (NIM–Light–H2O2) enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby increasing the elimination of ENR and AA. The role of ROS, specifically O2•− and HO●, in the degradation of enrofloxacin was distinguished using scavenger species and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis. Additionally, the five primary degradation products generated during the advanced processes were elucidated. Furthermore, the relationship between the structure of these products and the persistence or elimination of AA, which was differentiated against E. coli but not against S. aureus, was discussed. The effects of the matrix during the process and the extent of the treatments, including their capacity to promote disinfection, were also studied. The reusability of the natural iron material was examined, and it was found that the NIM–Light–H2O2 system showed an effective reduction of 5 logarithmic units in microbiological contamination in an EWWTP and can be reused for up to three cycles while maintaining 100% efficiency in reducing AA.

Unveiling the Gold Facet Effect in Selective Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and Hydrogen Production.

Direct oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA), crucial for medical supply production, is hindered by overoxidation. We synthesized gold nanomaterials with distinct single-crystal facets, {111} in octahedra (OC), {100} in nanocubes (NCs), and {110} in rhombic dodecahedra (RD), to investigate the facet-dependent HMF oxidation. The Au RD achieved the spontaneous oxidation of HMF to HMFCA with stoichiometric hydrogen production, maintaining 95% carbon balance, 91% yield, and 98% selectivity. In contrast, Au OC and NCs were inert. The superior performance is due to the absence of a C-H activation energy barrier on the Au(110) facet. Furthermore, gas chromatography and isotope experiments supported that the intermediate is oxidized to produce H2 via H- transfer, rather than H2O via H+ transfer. Oxygen was essential for scavenging electrons, thereby closing the reaction loop. The Au RD exhibited remarkable stability, operating for 240 h without performance degradation, indicating its potential for efficient HMFCA production.

A Cryo‐to‐Liquid Phase Correlative Light Electron Microscopy Workflow for the Visualization of Biological Processes in Graphene Liquid Cells

AbstractLiquid phase electron microscopy (LP‐EM) has emerged as a powerful technique for in situ observation of material formation in liquid. Especially the use of graphene as window material provides new opportunities to image biological processes because of graphene's molecular thickness and electron scavenger capabilities. However, in most cases the process of interest is initiated when the graphene liquid cells (GLCs) are sealed, meaning that the process cannot be imaged at early timepoints. Here, a novel cryogenic/liquid phase correlative light/electron microscopy workflow that addresses the delay time between graphene encapsulation and the start of the imaging, while combining the advantages of fluorescence and electron microscopy is reported. This workflow allows imaging to be initiated at a predetermined space and time by vitrifying and thawing at a selected time point. The workflow is demonstrated first by observing multiple day crystallization processes and subsequently highlight its potential by observing a biological process: the complexation of calciprotein particles. The ability to correlate the dynamic complexation observed in a GLC with cryogenic TEM and dynamic light scattering, confirms the validity of observations and underlines the exciting possibilities for LP‐EM in biology.

Z-Scheme Enabled 1D/2D Nanocomposite of ZnO Nanorods and Functionalized g-C3 N4 Nanosheets for Sustainable Degradation of Terephthalic Acid.

The urgent need to mitigate water pollution and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14)-Life below water, necessitates developing efficient and eco-friendly wastewater treatment technologies. This research addresses this challenge by photocatalytic degradation of terephthalic acid, a precursor for PET bottles using environment-friendly and biocompatible photocatalysts. The 1D/2D nanocomposite comprising zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods and functionalized graphitic carbon nitride (Zn-TG) nanosheets were synthesized and thoroughly characterized. The nanocomposite effectively mitigated the individual drawbacks of Zn-TG agglomeration and the wide band gap of ZnO as confirmed through zeta potential and Tauc's plot studies, respectively. The synthesized nanocomposite achieved ~100 % degradation within 60 minutes, exhibiting superior kinetics (~2.5 times) compared to pristine samples. The enhanced degradation efficiency was elucidated by efficient charge carrier transfer (~5 times faster) and separation (~2 times improved) as confirmed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and time-resolved photoluminescence studies. The proposed Z-scheme pathway provides mechanistic insights. This proposed mechanism is supported by extensive electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and scavenger studies. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis confirms the formation of less toxic byproducts for ensuring that the wastewater treatment process is efficient and environmentally friendly. This research helps in developing a highly effective and sustainable wastewater treatment technology.

Stabilize the oxygen vacancies in ZnO via altering local electronic structure by Co and Ni doping: A novel strategy for achieving durable visible light driven photo-Fenton degradation of chloramphenicol

The build-up of antibiotics, harmful pollutants, and pharmaceutical products has led to the significant contamination of environmental water bodies. Hence, the advancement of oxidation methods such as light-induced photo-Fenton degradation has proven crucial for efficiently desolating these harmful pollutants. Herein, we report a novel photo Fenton catalyst, Co and Ni co-doped ZnO (Zn1-x-yCoxNiyO) nanorods (NRs) for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP) under visible light irradiation. The NRs were synthesized via the ultrasonication-assisted solvothermal method. Among the different Co and Ni doping concentrations, Zn0.96Co0.03Ni0.01O NRs showed superior photodegradation efficiency of 94.2%. Here, •OH radicals were identified as predominant reactive oxygen species in photocatalytic degradation by electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis and scavenging assay. The effect of various environmental parameters such as nanoparticle dosage, CAP concentration, pH, and ions were investigated to understand the impact of these parameters on the degradation of CAP. Further, Zn0.96Co0.03Ni0.01O NRs were stable for six consecutive photodegradation cycles, which showed their excellent efficiency and reusability for prolonged usage. Photostability was further confirmed by XPS and XRD analysis of the used photocatalyst. Also, the photodegradation pathway of CAP was predicted by identifying the intermediate compounds via GC-MS analysis. This approach holds promise for the efficient visible-light-driven degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants including CAP and contributes to the advancement of sustainable water treatment technologies.

The waste recycling approach for enhancing wastewater sludge dewaterability by using iron-mud (IM)/sawdust derived carbon composite

The dewaterability of wastewater sludge by the solid waste of iron-mud (IM)/carbon (IMS) composite prepared via the in-situ carbothermal reduction method was systematically studied in this paper. It investigated the effects of different IMS materials, IM dosages and stirring speeds on sludge dewaterability, including water content (WC), capillary suction time (CST), extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) contents and particle size. The results of dewatering tests demonstrated that IMS materials significantly enhanced sludge dewaterability, resulting in a reduction of 39.85% in CST and 13.26% reduction in WC in the dewatered sludge under optimum condition (IMS-3 dosage of 8% dry solids; stirring speed of 250 r/min for 30 minutes). Electron paramagnetic resonancec (EPR) and scavenging experiments were conducted to better understand the dewatering process mechanism. This results indicated that both hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and superoxide radicals (•O2−) collaborate during the dewatering process. Furthermore, analysis were performed on the particle size of sludge flocs and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of sludge morphology to reveal the synergistic effects of IMS treatment. A two-step mechanism involving oxidation and Fe(III)-based re-flocculation maybe explain the synergistic effect of IMS treatment. This novel recycle-based IMS composite approach offers a new management strategy for industrial solid wastes while enhancing the sludge dewatering efficiency.

Electron Attachment to the Nucleobase Uracil in Diethylene Glycol: The Signature of a Doorway.

The cellular environment plays a significant role in low energy electron-mediated radiation damage to genetic materials. In this study, we have modeled the effect of the bulk medium on electron attachment to nucleobases in diethylene glycol (DEG) using uracil as a test case, in accordance with recent experimental work on the observation of dissociative quasi-free electron attachment to nucleoside via excited anion radical in solution (in DEG). Our EOM-CCSD-based quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) simulations indicate that the electron scavenging by uracil in DEG is much slower than that observed in the aqueous medium due to its viscosity. This work also establishes that a doorway mechanism exists in uracil microsolvated and bulk solvated with DEG, with the dipole-bound state and solvent-bound state acting as doorway states, respectively.

Photoinduced azidoalkylation of amino acid and peptide derivatives using sulfur hexafluoride as an electron scavenger

Photoinduced azidoalkylation of amino acid and peptide derivatives using sulfur hexafluoride as an electron scavenger

Bimetal-organic framework derived single-atom-like Co/Fe catalysts for peroxydisulfate activation: The dual amplification of radical and nonradical pathways

A novel single-atom-like Co/Fe catalyst (i.e., Co/Fe-N-C) was synthesized by pyrolysis of a Zn/Co/Fe zeolitic imidazolate framework, and applied in peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation for removal of organic contaminants from wastewater. The isolated diatomic metal-nitrogen sites were detected by X-ray adsorption fine-structure. The degradation of four contaminants (i.e., phenol, bisphenol A, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) with a concentration of 100 mg/L could be degraded separately within 20 min by the Co/Fe-N-C system with 10 mmol/L of PDS, 0.5 g/L of catalyst dosage, and initial pH of 3. Besides, 79.2 % of phenol could be mineralized in 120 min, and the turn-over frequency value of the catalyst was calculated to be 27.17 min−1, which was higher than the commonly reported homogeneous PS-AOPs. Moreover, the Co/Fe-N-C exhibited high stability (mineralization rate over 70 % after 5 cycles), a wide initial pH range (3−9), and high catalytic performance at 5–20 mmol/L of PDS concentrations. Based on the analysis of radical scavenging experiments and electron spin resonance spectra, the radical and non-radical pathways for PDS activation were proved in the system, and the contribution of phenol degradation by each pathway was clarified.

Simultaneous dehalogenation and oxidation of dichloroacetamide by Cu-modified CoFe-LDH in three-dimensional continuous flow aerated electrocatalytic reactor

Searching for catalysts and degradation systems for synchronous dehalogenation and oxidation of haloacetamides (HAcAms) is pressing. In this study, a novel three-dimensional continuous flow aerated electrocatalytic reactor (3D CFAER) system, which employed Cu-modified CoFe layered double hydroxides (CoFe-LDH) composite/activated carbon as a catalytic particle electrode for the degradation of dichloroacetamide (DCAcAm) was constructed. Under the experiment’s optimal operating parameters, the maximum degradation rate of DCAcAm reached 91.7 %. The superior performance for the degradation of DCAcAm was due to the enhanced electron transfer induced by the modification of Cu in CoFe-LDH. Moreover, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations indicated that Cu doping improved the ability of LDH to dissociate water, thereby enhancing its electrocatalytic performance. Scavenger experiments and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) results revealed that •OH, O2•– and electrochemical direct dehalogenation were responsible for DCAcAm removal. Additionally, the electrocatalytic stability of the electrode was tested upon repeated use with DCAcAm degradation remaining as high as 81.7 % after five consecutive experiments. More importantly, in 3D CFAER, electrocatalytic treatment lasting 90 min reduced the TOC and COD of the actual chlorine disinfection wastewater by 64.1 % and 74.9 %, respectively. This study provides new theoretical basis and technical support for control of HAcAms.

Carrier Dynamics and Recombination Pathways in Ag-In-Zn-S Quantum Dots.

Strong tolerance to off-stoichiometry of group I-III-VI semiconductors in their nanocrystal form allows fabrication of multinary, alloyed structures of desired properties. In particular, alloyed Cu-In-Zn-S and Ag-In-Zn-S quantum dots (QDs) have recently emerged as efficient fluorophors, in which tailoring the composition allows tuning the optical properties, and achieving photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields approaching unity. However, poor understanding of the carrier recombination mechanism in these materials limits their further development. In this work, by studying transient absorption and temperature dependent PL on bare QDs and QDs conjugated with electron scavenger molecules, we obtain a detailed picture of carrier dynamics. Our results challenge the prevailing assumption that the PL is due to a donor-acceptor-pair transition. We show that the PL occurs as a result of a recombination of a delocalized electron with a localized hole.

Europa’s H2O2: Temperature Insensitivity and a Correlation with CO2

H2O2 is part of Europa’s water-ice radiolytic cycle and a potential source of oxidants to Europa’s subsurface ocean. However, factors controlling the concentration of this critical surface species remain unclear. Though laboratory experiments suggest that Europa’s H2O2 should be concentrated in the coldest, most ice-rich regions toward the poles, Keck adaptive optics observations have shown the strongest H2O2 signatures in comparatively warm, salt-bearing terrain at low latitudes. As a result, it was suggested that the local non-ice composition of these terrains—particularly hypothesized enrichments of CO2—may be a more dominant control on H2O2 than temperature or water-ice abundance. Here we use observations of Europa from the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, Keck Observatory, and JWST to disentangle the potential effects of temperature and composition. In order to isolate the effect of temperature on Europa’s H2O2, we use the ground-based observations to assess its response to temperature changes over timescales associated with Europa’s daily eclipse and diurnal cycle. We use JWST Cycle 1 data to look for any geographic correlation between Europa’s H2O2 and CO2. Changes in Europa’s 3.5 μm H2O2 absorption band both from pre- to post-eclipse and across a local day suggest minimal effects of the local temperature on these timescales. In contrast, the JWST observations show a strong positive correlation between Europa’s H2O2 and CO2 bands, supporting the previously suggested possibility that the presence of CO2 in the ice may enhance H2O2 concentrations via electron scavenging.

Effect of Cu/Bi ratio on the photoelectrochemical performance of CuBi2O4/CuO nanocomposite films for CO2 reduction

Abstract Solar energy is free, clean, and virtually limitless; however, its conversion into a storable form presents technological challenges. One avenue towards solar energy utilization is the photoelectrochemical (PEC) reduction of CO2 to one- or two-carbon fuels, employing a semiconductor configured as an electrode. A potential material for this application is the p-type copper bismuth oxide (CuBi2O4) with a band gap capable of visible light absorption and a conduction band edge position suitable for CO2 reduction. In this study, CuBi2O4 nanocomposite films of varying Cu/Bi ratios (0.25, 0.51, 0.68, 0.94, 2.04) were prepared via an electrodeposition-spray deposition-annealing route. Where the Cu/Bi ratio exceeded the stoichiometric value of 0.5, a bilayered film composed of a copper (II) oxide (CuO) phase on top of CuBi2O4 was formed, creating a planar heterojunction between the two oxide layers. With increasing Cu/Bi ratio, the light absorption range of the films broadened due to the CuO phase. Analysis of the photocurrent-potential behavior of the films under visible-light illumination showed a 4–7-fold increase in the photocurrent from an inert electrolyte to a CO2-saturated electrolyte, confirming potential activity for CO2 reduction of the CuBi2O4/CuO films. A higher Cu/Bi ratio resulted to an improved charge separation efficiency, enhancing the photocurrent generation. However, the transient photocurrent response of the films showed a 70-80% decrease in the photocurrent after only 15 mins of testing. When tested in an electrolyte with an electron scavenger, the percent decrease was lowered to <10%, indicating that the instability of the films resulted from poor interfacial kinetics. While the CuBi2O4/CuO nanocomposite films can accomplish CO2 reduction, further strategies to improve their efficiency and stability are needed to realize practical application.

Synergistic photocatalytic activity of Bi2O3/g-C3N4/ZnO ternary heterojunction with dual Z-scheme charge transfer towards textile dye degradation

It is clear that a wide range of organic substances, including synthetic textile dyes, have the potential to negatively impact the environment. It is crucial to rationally develop highly effective photocatalysts for the degradation of such type of pollutants. In this regard, a heterostructured photocatalyst comes with enhanced charge separation and extended light absorption ability that improves photocatalytic performance. Therefore, In this study, a Bi2O3/g-C3N4/ZnO (BCNZ) ternary heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) textile dye.. Thermal polycondensation method was opted to synthesize g-C3N4, while ZnO and Bi2O3 photocatalysts were fabricated using co-precipitation method. Similarly, ternary heterojunction of BCNZ was constructed through co-precipitation method. The ternary heterojunction photocatalyst demonstrated better photodegradation ability due to dual Z-scheme charge transfer route. The dual Z-scheme heterojunction enabled the ternary heterojunction to exhibit enhanced light absorption capabilities with reduced recombination rates as well as enhanced charge separation and migration efficiency (confirmed via transient photocurrent response) that resulted in improved photocatalytic performance. The BCNZ dual Z-scheme photocatalyst displayed 92 % of degradation efficiency which was much higher than that of other (binary and pristine) photocatalysts. Scavenging tests and electron spin resonance spectroscopy revealed the significant role of the •O2−, and •OH radicals in the photodegradation of MB. Furthermore, the reusability test presented good stability and recyclability of the ternary photocatalyst with 80 % degradation efficiency after five catalytic cycles.

Design of ternary GO@AgNPs@g-C3N4 membranes for efficient dye removals in integrated photocatalysis-filtration reactors

Photocatalytic composite membranes (PCMs), which integrate the high degradation efficiency of photocatalysts and the physical separation properties of membranes, have emerged as a promising technology for wastewater treatment. Herein, the ternary GO@AgNPs@g-C3N4 PCM was fabricated through a facile vacuum-filtration assembly of graphene oxide (GO), graphitic phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto commercial mixed cellulose ester (MCE) substrates. The effects of g-C3N4 synthesized from different precursors and various metal nanoparticles on the performance of PCM were systematically investigated. Interestingly, results show the addition of AgNPs not only significantly improves the photocatalytic performance of PCMs but also enhances the mechanical adhesion between the active layer and the MCE substrate. The resultant PCMs exhibit outstanding photocatalytic performance, maintaining dye removal above 89% even after 25 consecutive cycles. Moreover, dye degradation pathways over the PCMs were investigated through free radical scavenging experiments and electron spin resonance characterizations. This simple assembly method results in a 3–12 times increase in flux compared to the layer-by-layer assembly method. Accordingly, our designed PCMs exhibit significant potential for wastewater treatment and water purification applications.

Synergetic photocatalytic degradation of the tetracycline antibiotic over S-scheme based BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 ternary heterojunction photocatalyst

The present research investigated the photodegradation capability of a ternary BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 heterojunction against the tetracycline (TC) antibiotic. BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 heterojunction is formed using a straightforward physical mixing method, whereas pure photocatalysts (CuInS2, WO3) were synthesized hydrothermally and BiOBr by a coprecipitation process. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Spectroscopy examination validated the nanorod and nanosheet shape of the fabricated BiOBr-CuInS2-WO3. The photodegradation capabilities of the BiOBr-CuInS2-WO3 heterojunction were superior to those of other pure photocatalysts, and it followed the S-scheme charge transfer route as indicated by the band alignments. After 120 min of light irradiation, the BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 S-scheme ternary heterojunction obtained a photodegradation rate of 98.9 %, much greater than other pure photocatalysts. According to electron spin resonance investigations and scavenging experiments, the radicals hydroxyl radicals (•OH), hole (h+), superoxide (•O2−) play a significant role in the photodegradation of TC. The ternary heterojunction's improved light absorption, lower recombination rate, and higher photocarrier separation rate were due to the fabrication of S-scheme heterojunction. The ternary BiOBr/CuInS2/WO3 photocatalyst's photodegradation efficacy was consequently enhanced. Investigations for photocatalyst reusability demonstrated its exceptional stability, with a 93.8 % degradation rate after five catalytic cycles.

Study on the effect of radiation-resistant resin on water radiolysis

In recent years, the use of radiation-resistant resins of polyimide and polyether ether ketone becomes increasing as vessels for irradiation and unsealed radioisotope experiments. However, in our radiolysis experiments, the possibility of interaction between radiolysis products of water and the resin was found, suggesting concerns that the resin may affect reactions in water in radiation fields. To clarify the interaction, dichromate (Cr2O72−) reduction and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation in γ-radiolysis of water were compared with and without the resin. The Cr2O72− reduction amount in aqueous solution with the resin became larger than that without the resin at the same dose, indicating the promotion of Cr2O72− reduction by the resin. On the other hand, the H2O2 formation in pure water with and without an electron scavenger were almost independent of the presence of resin. These suggested the interaction between hydroxyl radical and the resin in contact with water in radiation fields.

The negative differential resistance of nitrogen implanted TiO2

The microstructure and negative differential resistance (NDR) effect of nitrogen implanted rutile TiO2 were investigated by measuring the XPS, Raman spectra and current voltage curves. It was found that the light illumination has large influence on the NDR effect. Under the illumination of 60 mW laser light, a large NDR with a small electric field (1250 V/cm) is obtained. This electric field is about three orders smaller than that reported in literature (1×106 V/cm). The electric field induced tunneling is the possible mechanism of electric transport at higher field region. The NDR is thought to be related to the light and nitrogen dopant induced reaction including the destroying of water, the scavenging of electron, and the surface oxidation transform of non-stoichiometric TiO2−x to stoichiometric insulating state. The results of this paper are not only useful in understanding the mechanism of NDR, but also useful in providing an effective method in manipulation NDR.

Constructing interfacial electric field with rich oxygen vacancy modulated heterojunction FeVO4-MgZnAl LDH for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of doxycycline

FeVO4 nanorods were synthesized and integrated with plate-like MgZnAl layered double hydroxide (MZA LDH) using a combination of sonochemical coprecipitation and hydrothermal methods. The resulting FeVO4-MgZnAl LDH nanocomposites (NCs) were engineered to enhance photocatalytic performance through an S-scheme charge transfer mechanism. These NCs exhibited exceptional photocatalytic activity, achieving 93.7 % degradation of doxycycline (DXY) which is significantly outperforming its counterparts, FeVO4 (29.8 %) and MgZnAl LDH (49.8 %). Detailed analysis using scavenging tests and electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis confirmed that the photoexcited charges follow the S-scheme pathway, leading to the generation of hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide (O2•⁻) radicals. This mechanism remarkedly improves the catalytic efficiency of FeVO4-MZA NCs with a kinetic rate constant of 4–9 times higher than those of its individual components. The photocatalyst's were comprehensively characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis-DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The FeVO₄-MZA NCs demonstrated remarkable stability and reusability, indicating their suitability for large-scale water treatment applications. Additionally, the non-toxic nature of FeVO4-MZA NCs, coupled with effective charge carrier separation and reduced recombination rates, establishes them as highly efficient photocatalysts for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants from aquatic systems and paves a way for manufacturing innovation.

Novel dual-photoelectrode Z-scheme PEC system for efficient TBBPA removal and debromination: Performance and promoting mechanism

Herein, a novel dual-photoelectrode Z-scheme photoelectrocatalytic system is created to achieve efficient synergistic anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction for TBBPA degradation and debromination. Based on the polydopamine-modified N-doped TiO2 nanotubes (PN-TNTs) photoanode and polydopamine-modified Cu2O nanowires (PC-CNWs) photocathode, the degradation, debromination and mineralization were 99.4%, 77.7% and 52.1% at 0.7 V under visible light for 2 h. The introduction of PDA enhances the visible light absorption by the TiO2 photoanode and protects the Cu2O photocathode from photocorrosion. The main active species identified by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and scavenger experiments as •OH and e− were found to promote the degradation and debromination of TBBPA by oxidation and reduction, respectively. The degradation pathway of TBBPA was determined by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and HPLC-MS analyses. Comparing the intermediates of single and dual chambers, it demonstrated that the photocathode was able to achieve the continuous debromination of TBBPA and intermediates, which reduced the toxicity. Finally, the stability, reusability and energy consumption were evaluated, confirming the feasibility of the system.