Enhanced photoelectrocatalytic degradation of phenols with bifunctionalized dye-sensitized TiO2 film.

A degradation device containing a bifunctionalized TiO(2) film electrode and an anode electrode was described. The bifunctionalized TiO(2) film electrode is composite of an area of dye-sensitized TiO(2) film, electrolyte and counter electrode, which is similar to the structure of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Electrons and positive charges induced by visible light absorption of dyes could arrive at the degradation region of the bifunctionalized TiO(2) film electrode and the anode electrode, respectively. Both could produce hydroxyl radicals (OH) to participate in the degradation reaction. The degradation efficiency was enhanced remarkably by an external potential. Meanwhile, the effects of dye-sensitized TiO(2) film area and pH value on the degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) were tested. An insight into degradation pathway, plausible mechanism for 4-CP and degradation of other phenols were also discussed here.