Efficient Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycling triggered by MoO2 in Fenton reaction for the degradation of dye molecules and the reduction of Cr(VI)

There is a relatively low efficiency of Fe(III)/Fe(II) conversion cycle and H₂O₂ decomposition (<30%) in conventional Fenton process, which further results in a low production efficiency of OH and seriously restricts the application of Fenton. Herein, we report that the commercial MoO₂ can be used as the cocatalyst in Fenton process to dramatically accelerate the oxidation of Lissamine rhodamine B (L-RhB), where the efficiency of Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycling is greatly enhanced in the Fenton reaction meanwhile. And the L-RhB solution could be degraded nearly 100% in 1 min in the MoO₂ cocatalytic Fenton system under the optimal reaction condition, which is apparently better than that of the conventional Fenton system (～50%). Different from the conventional Fenton reaction where the OH plays an important role in the oxidation process, it shows that ¹O₂ contributes most in the MoO₂ cocatalytic Fenton reaction. However, it is found that the exposed Mo⁴⁺ active sites on the surface of MoO₂ powders can greatly promote the rate-limiting step of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ cycle conversion, thus minimizing the dosage of H₂O₂ (0.400 mmol/L) and Fe²⁺ (0.105 mmol/L). Interestingly, the MoO₂ cocatalytic Fenton system also exhibits a good ability for reducing Cr(VI) ions, where the reduction ability for Cr(VI) reaches almost 100% within 2 h. In short, this work shows a new discovery for MoO₂ cocatalytic advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which devotes a lot to the practical water remediation application.     

Integration of Fe_2O_3-based photoanode and atomically dispersed cobalt cathode for efficient photoelectrochemical NH_3 synthesis

Realizing nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR) to synthesis NH_3 under mild conditions has gained extensive attention as a promising alternative way to the energy-and emission-intensive Haber-Bosch process.Among varieties of potential strategies,photoelectrochemical(PEC) NRR exhibits many advantages including utilization of solar energy,water(H_2O) as the hydrogen source and ambient operation conditions.Herein,we have designed a solar-driven PEC-NRR system integrating high-efficiency Fe_2O_3-based photoanode and atomically dispersed cobalt(Co) cathode for ambient NH_3 synthesis.Using such solar-driven PEC-NRR system,high-efficiency Fe_2O_3-based photoanode is responsible for H_2O/OH oxidatio n,and meanwhile the generated photoelectrons transfer to the single-atom Co cathode for the N_2 reduction to NH_3.As a result,this system can afford an NH_3 yield rate of 1021.5 μg mgco~(-1) h~(-1) and a faradic efficiency of 11.9% at an applied potential bias of 1.2 V(versus reversible hydrogen electrode) on photoanode in 0.2 mol/L NaOH electrolyte under simulated sunlight irradiation.     

On‐surface Fenton and Fenton‐like reactions appraised by paper spray ionization mass spectrometry

On‐surface degradation of sildenafil (an adequate substrate as it contains assorted functional groups in its structure) promoted by the Fenton (Fe²⁺/H₂O₂) and Fenton‐like (Mⁿ⁺/H₂O₂; Mⁿ⁺ = Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺) systems was investigated by using paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS‐MS). The performance of each system was compared by measuring the ratio between the relative intensities of the ions of m/z 475 (protonated sildenafil) and m/z 235 (protonated lidocaine, used as a convenient internal standard and added to the paper just before the PS‐MS analyzes). The results indicated the following order in the rates of such reactions: Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ ≫ H₂O₂ ≫ Cu²⁺/H₂O₂ > Mⁿ⁺/H₂O₂ (Mⁿ⁺ = Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺) ~ Mⁿ⁺ (Mⁿ⁺ = Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²). The superior capability of Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ in causing the degradation of sildenafil indicates that Fe²⁺ efficiently decomposes H₂O₂ to yield hydroxyl radicals, quite reactive species that cause the substrate oxidation. The results also indicate that H₂O₂ can spontaneously decompose likely to yield hydroxyl radicals, although in a much smaller extension than the Fenton system. This effect, however, is strongly inhibited by the presence of the other cations, ie, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Mn²⁺. A unique oxidation by‐product was detected in the reaction between Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ with sildenafil, and a possible structure for it was proposed based on the MS/MS data. The on‐surface reaction of other substrates (trimethoprim and tamoxifen) with the Fenton system was also investigated. In conclusion, PS‐MS shows to be a convenient platform to promptly monitor on‐surface oxidation reactions.     

Surviving High‐Temperature Calcination: ZrO2‐Induced Hematite Nanotubes for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation

Nanotubular Fe₂O₃ is a promising photoanode material, and producing morphologies that withstand high‐temperature calcination (HTC) is urgently needed to enhance the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. This work describes the design and fabrication of Fe₂O₃ nanotube arrays that survive HTC for the first time. By introducing a ZrO₂ shell on hydrothermal FeOOH nanorods by atomic layer deposition, subsequent high‐temperature solid‐state reaction converts FeOOH‐ZrO₂ nanorods to ZrO₂‐induced Fe₂O₃ nanotubes (Zr‐Fe₂O₃ NTs). The structural evolution of the hematite nanotubes is systematically explored. As a result of the nanostructuring and shortened charge collection distance, the nanotube photoanode shows a greatly improved PEC water oxidation activity, exhibiting a photocurrent density of 1.5 mA cm⁻² at 1.23 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), which is the highest among hematite nanotube photoanodes without co‐catalysts. Furthermore, a Co‐Pi decorated Zr‐Fe₂O₃ NT photoanode reveals an enhanced onset potential of 0.65 V (vs. RHE) and a photocurrent of 1.87 mA cm⁻² (at 1.23 V vs. RHE).     

Boosting the photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance of bismuth vanadate by ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles

Due to the involvement of four-electron transfer process at photoanode,water oxidation is the ratelimiting step in water splitting reaction.To settle this dilemma,ZnCo₂ O₄ nanoparticles are combined with BiVO₄ to form a p-n ZnCo₂ O₄/BiVO₄ heterojunction photoanode,which is proved by an input voltage-output current test.The built-in electric field formed within the heterojunction structure promotes the effective separation of elect...     

Enzyme mimics of spinel-type CoxNi1−xFe2O4 magnetic nanomaterial for eletroctrocatalytic oxidation of hydrogen peroxide

A series of spinel-type Co_xNi_1−xFe₂O₄ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) magnetic nanomaterials were solvothermally synthesized as enzyme mimics for the eletroctrocatalytic oxidation of H₂O₂. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope were employed to characterize the composition, structure and morphology of the material. The electrochemical properties of spinel-type Co_xNi_1−xFe₂O₄ with different (Co/Ni) molar ratio toward H₂O₂ oxidation were investigated, and the results demonstrated that Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄ modified carbon paste electrode (Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/CPE) possessed the best electrocatalytic activity for H₂O₂ oxidation. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curve for H₂O₂ determination on Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/CPE was linear in a wide range of 1.0 × 10⁻⁸–1.0 × 10⁻³ M with low detection limit of 3.0 × 10⁻⁹ M (S/N = 3). The proposed Co_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄/CPE was also applied to the determination of H₂O₂ in commercial toothpastes with satisfactory results, indicating that Co_xNi_1−xFe₂O₄ is a promising hydrogen peroxidase mimics for the detection of H₂O₂.     

Synthesis of mesoporous functional hematite nanofibrous photoanodes by electrospinning

Iron(III) oxide (hematite, Fe₂O₃) nanofibers, as visible light‐induced photoanode for water oxidation reaction of a water splitting process, were fabricated through electrospinning method followed by calcination treatment. The prepared samples were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, and three‐electrode galvanostat/potentiostat for evaluating their photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties. The diameter of the as‐spun fibers is about 300 nm, and calcinated fibers have diameter less than 110 nm with mesoporous structure. Optimized multilayered electrospun α‐Fe₂O₃ nanostructure mats showed photocurrent density of 0.53 mA/cm² under dark and visible illumination conditions at voltage 1.23 V and constant intensity (900 mW/cm²). This photovoltaic performance of nanostructure mats makes it suitable choice for using in the PEC water splitting application as an efficient photoanode. This method, if combined with appropriate flexible conductive substrate, has the potential for producing flexible hematite solar fuel generators. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Production from Water on a WO3/BiVO4 Photoanode and from O2 on an Au Cathode Without External Bias

The photoelectrochemical production and degradation properties of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were investigated on a WO₃/BiVO₄ photoanode in an aqueous electrolyte of hydrogen carbonate (HCO₃⁻). High concentrations of HCO₃⁻ species rather than CO₃²⁻ species inhibited the oxidative degradation of H₂O₂ on the WO₃/BiVO₄ photoanode, resulting in effective oxidative H₂O₂ generation and accumulation from water (H₂O). Moreover, the Au cathode facilitated two‐electron reduction of oxygen (O₂), resulting in reductive H₂O₂ production with high current efficiency. Combining the WO₃/BiVO₄ photoanode with a HCO₃⁻ electrolyte and an Au cathode also produced a clean and promising design for a photoelectrode system specializing in H₂O₂ production (η _anode(H₂O₂)≈50 %, η _cathode(H₂O₂)≈90 %) even without applied voltage between the photoanode and cathode under simulated solar light through a two‐photon process; this achieved effective H₂O₂ production when using an Au‐supported porous BiVO₄ photocatalyst sheet.     

A Robust One‐Compartment Fuel Cell with a Polynuclear Cyanide Complex as a Cathode for Utilizing H2O2 as a Sustainable Fuel at Ambient Conditions

A robust one‐compartment H₂O₂ fuel cell, which operates without membranes at room temperature, has been constructed by using a series of polynuclear cyanide complexes that contain Fe, Co, Mn, and Cr as cathodes, in sharp contrast to conventional H₂ and MeOH fuel cells, which require membranes and high temperatures. A high open‐circuit potential of 0.68 V was achieved by using Fe₃[{Co^III(CN)₆}₂] on a carbon cloth as the cathode and a Ni mesh as the anode of a H₂O₂ fuel cell by using an aqueous solution of H₂O₂ (0.30 M , pH 3) with a maximum power density of 0.45 mW cm^?2. The open‐circuit potential and maximum power density of the H₂O₂ fuel cell were further increased to 0.78 V and 1.2 mW cm^?2, respectively, by operation under these conditions at pH 1. No catalytic activity of Co₃[{Co^III(CN)₆}₂] and Co₃[{Fe^III(CN)₆}₂] towards H₂O₂ reduction suggests that the N‐bound Fe ions are active species for H₂O₂ reduction. H₂O₂ fuel cells that used Fe₃[{Mn^III(CN)₆}₂] and Fe₃[{Cr^III(CN)₆}₂] as the cathode exhibited lower performance compared with that using Fe₃[{Co^III(CN)₆}₂] as a cathode, because ligand isomerization of Fe₃[{M^III(CN)₆}₂] into (FeM₂)[{Fe^II(CN)₆}₂] (M=Cr or Mn) occurred to form inactive Fe? C bonds under ambient conditions, whereas no ligand isomerization of Fe₃[{Co^III(CN)₆}₂] occurred under the same reaction conditions. The importance of stable Fe²⁺? N bonds was further indicated by the high performance of the H₂O₂ fuel cells with Fe₃[{Ir^III(CN)₆}₂] and Fe₃[{Rh^III(CN)₆}₂], which also contained stable Fe²⁺? N bonds. The stable Fe²⁺? N bonds in Fe₃[{Co^III(CN)₆}₂], which lead to high activity for the electrocatalytic reduction of H₂O₂, allow Fe₃[{Co^III(CN)₆}₂] to act as a superior cathode in one‐compartment H₂O₂ fuel cells.     

Identification of the Active Sites for Low Temperature CO Oxidation over Nanocrystalline Co3O4 Catalysts

The microstructural properties of dry‐grinding derived Co₃O₄ catalysts pretreated under different atmospheres, in relation to the activities on CO oxidation were investigated. The Co₃O₄ synthesized by soft reactive grinding and pretreated with O₂ resulted in the best activity, with 100% conversion of CO at ?52 °C, superior to that of Co₃O₄ pretreated with He. To find out the active sites on Co₃O₄ for low temperature CO oxidation, the characterizations of the cobalt oxides had been investigated by means of N₂ physisorption, XRD, TEM, H₂‐TPR, CO‐titration, XPS and O₂‐TPD technologies. XPS of Co2p results show that it is difficult to ascribe the difference in catalytic performance to the surface concentration of active Co³⁺ sites. A correlation between the activity and the CO‐titration and O₂‐TPD results for Co₃O₄ reveals that a high abundance of readily accessible superficial electrophilic oxygen (O^?) species is important for achieving a high activity. Therefore, CO oxidation takes place on the surface active oxygen sites in Co₃O₄ crystallites via the suprafacial mechanism.     

Structure Sensitivity of CO Oxidation on Co3O4: A DFT Study

The reaction mechanism of CO oxidation on the Co₃O₄ (110) and Co₃O₄ (111) surfaces is investigated by means of spin‐polarized density functional theory (DFT) within the GGA+U framework. Adsorption situation and complete reaction cycles for CO oxidation are clarified. The results indicate that 1) the U value can affect the calculated energetic result significantly, not only the absolute adsorption energy but also the trend in adsorption energy; 2) CO can directly react with surface lattice oxygen atoms (O_2f/O_3f) to form CO₂ via the Mars–van Krevelen reaction mechanism on both (110)‐B and (111)‐B; 3) pre‐adsorbed molecular O₂ can enhance CO oxidation through the channel in which it directly reacts with molecular CO to form CO₂ [O₂(a)+CO(g)→CO₂(g)+O(a)] on (110)‐A/(111)‐A; 4) CO oxidation is a structure‐sensitive reaction, and the activation energy of CO oxidation follows the order of Co₃O₄ (111)‐A(0.78 eV)>Co₃O₄ (111)‐B (0.68 eV)>Co₃O₄ (110)‐A (0.51 eV)>Co₃O₄ (110)‐B (0.41 eV), that is, the (110) surface shows higher reactivity for CO oxidation than the (111) surface; 5) in addition to the O_2f, it was also found that Co³⁺ is more active than Co²⁺, so both O_2f and Co³⁺ control the catalytic activity of CO oxidation on Co₃O₄, as opposed to a previous DFT study which concluded that either Co³⁺ or O_2f is the active site.     

Visible‐Light‐Induced Water Oxidation Mediated by a Mononuclear‐Cobalt(II)‐Substituted Silicotungstate

A mononuclear‐cobalt(II)‐substituted silicotungstate, K₁₀[Co(H₂O)₂(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₅)₂] ? 23 H₂O (POM‐ 1 ), has been evaluated as a light‐driven water‐oxidation catalyst. With in situ photogenerated [Ru(bpy)₃]³⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) as the oxidant, quite high catalytic turnover number (TON; 313), turnover frequency (TOF; 3.2 s^?1), and quantum yield (Φ_QY; 27 %) for oxygen evolution at pH 9.0 were acquired. Comparison experiments with its structural analogues, namely [Ni(H₂O)₂(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₅)₂]^10? (POM‐ 2 ) and [Mn(H₂O)₂(γ‐SiW₁₀O₃₅)₂]^10? (POM‐ 3 ), gave the conclusion that the cobalt center in POM‐ 1 is the active site. The hydrolytic stability of the title polyoxometalate (POM) was confirmed by extensive experiments, including UV/Vis spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and cathodic adsorption stripping analysis (CASA). As the [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺/visible light/sodium persulfate system was introduced, a POM–photosensitizer complex formed within minutes before visible‐light irradiation. It was demonstrated that this complex functioned as the active species, which remained intact after the oxygen‐evolution reaction. Multiple experimental parameters were investigated and the catalytic activity was also compared with the well‐studied POM‐based water‐oxidation catalysts (i.e., [Co₄(H₂O)₂(α‐PW₉O₃₄)₂]^10? (Co₄‐POM) and [Co^IIICo^II(H₂O)W₁₁O₃₉]^7? (Co₂‐POM)) under optimum conditions.     

Designing 3D‐MoS2 Sponge as Excellent Cocatalysts in Advanced Oxidation Processes for Pollutant Control

3D‐MoS₂ can adsorb organic molecules and provide multidimensional electron transport pathways, implying a potential application for environment remediation. Here, we study the degradation of aromatic organics in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) by a 3D‐MoS₂ sponge loaded with MoS₂ nanospheres and graphene oxide (GO). Exposed Mo⁴⁺ active sites on 3D‐MoS₂ can significantly improve the concentration and stability of Fe²⁺ in AOPs and keep the Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ in a stable dynamic cycle, thus effectively promoting the activation of H₂O₂/peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The degradation rate of organic pollutants in the 3D‐MoS₂ system is about 50 times higher than without cocatalyst. After a 140 L pilot‐scale experiment, it still maintains high efficiency and stable AOPs activity. After 16 days of continuous reaction, the 3D‐MoS₂ achieves a degradation rate of 120 mg L^?1 antibiotic wastewater up to 97.87 %. The operating cost of treating a ton of wastewater is only US$ 0.33, suggesting huge industrial applications.     

Binary α-Fe2O3–Co3O4 nanostructures for advanced oxidation process: Role of synergy for enhanced catalysis

Iron and its binary oxides are meticulously exploited for environmental remediations. However, only limited studies have been carried out on the degradation of industrial organics by advanced oxidation process. In this study, iron oxide, cobalt oxide, and iron–cobalt binary oxides were synthesized by a modified hydrothermal method as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from wastewaters. The oxide nanostructures were characterized by different analytical techniques. Studying the effects of various parameters such as catalyst dose, MB concentration, and H₂O₂ concentration, the reaction conditions were optimized to enhance the removal of MB dye. The results revealed that α-Fe₂O₃–Co₃O₄ shows much higher activity than both Co₃O₄ and α-Fe₂O₃ for the degradation of MB at room temperature and beyond. The binary α-Fe₂O₃–Co₃O₄ shows degradation efficiency of 96.4% at 65 °C within 60 min. Furthermore, the binary α-Fe₂O₃–Co₃O₄ catalyst retains its activity for up to four successive cycles. A probable mechanism is also proposed, involving the generation of ‧OH radical as well as Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ or Co²⁺/Co³⁺ redox couple of the binary α-Fe₂O₃–Co₃O₄ catalyst.     

Redox‐Inert Fe3+ Ions in Octahedral Sites of Co‐Fe Spinel Oxides with Enhanced Oxygen Catalytic Activity for Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries

Bimetallic cobalt‐based spinel is sparking much interest, most notably for its excellent bifunctional performance. However, the effect of Fe³⁺ doping in Co₃O₄ spinel remains poorly understood, mainly because the surface state of a catalyst is difficult to characterize. Herein, a bifunctional oxygen electrode composed of spinel Co₂FeO₄/(Co_0.72Fe_0.28)_Td(Co_1.28Fe_0.72)_OctO₄ nanoparticles grown on N‐doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) is designed, which exhibits superior performance to state‐of‐the‐art noble metal catalysts. Theoretical calculations and magnetic measurements reveal that the introduction of Fe³⁺ ions into the Co₃O₄ network causes delocalization of the Co 3d electrons and spin‐state transition. Fe³⁺ ions can effectively activate adjacent Co³⁺ ions under the action of both spin and charge effect, resulting in the enhanced intrinsic oxygen catalytic activity of the hybrid spinel Co₂FeO₄. This work provides not only a promising bifunctional electrode for zinc–air batteries, but also offers a new insight to understand the Co‐Fe spinel oxides for oxygen electrocatalysis.     

Catalytic Hydroxylation of Benzene to Phenol by Dioxygen with an NADH Analogue

Hydroxylation of benzene by molecular oxygen (O₂) occurs efficiently with 10‐methyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine (AcrH₂) as an NADH analogue in the presence of a catalytic amount of Fe(ClO₄)₃ or Fe(ClO₄)₂ with excess trifluoroacetic acid in a solvent mixture of benzene and acetonitrile (1:1 v/v) to produce phenol, 10‐methylacridinium ion and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at 298 K. The catalytic oxidation of benzene by O₂ with AcrH₂ in the presence of a catalytic amount of Fe(ClO₄)₃ is started by the formation of H₂O₂ from AcrH₂, O₂, and H⁺. Hydroperoxyl radical (HO₂^.) is produced from H₂O₂ with the redox pair of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ by a Fenton type reaction. The rate‐determining step in the initiation is the proton‐coupled electron transfer from Fe²⁺ to H₂O₂ to produce HO^. and H₂O. HO^. abstracts hydrogen rapidly from H₂O₂ to produce HO₂^. and H₂O. The Fe³⁺ produced was reduced back to Fe²⁺ by H₂O₂. HO₂^. reacts with benzene to produce the radical adduct, which abstracts hydrogen from AcrH₂ to give the corresponding hydroperoxide, accompanied by generation of acridinyl radical (AcrH^.) to constitute the radical chain reaction. Hydroperoxyl radical (HO₂^.), which was detected by using the spin trap method with EPR analysis, acts as a chain carrier for the two radical chain pathways: one is the benzene hydroxylation with O₂ and the second is oxidation of an NADH analogue with O₂ to produce H₂O₂.     

Surface Characterization and the Gas Response of a Mixed,Fe2O3?Fe2(MoO4)3, Oxide to Low Concentrations of H2S in Air

The preparation and H₂S sensing potential of thick‐films of a mixed oxide, Fe₂O₃? Fe₂(MoO₄)₃, were investigated. A Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) study confirmed the existence of sulfur species at the surface after the interaction of H₂S gas with the mixed oxide. The starting material, β‐FeMoO₄, was synthesized by a solvothermal method, followed by supercritical drying. Heat treatment of this material (oxidation) above 500 °C resulted in the formation of Fe₂O₃? Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ mixed oxide, where Fe₂O₃ was a by‐product. An increase in the conductivity of the films in the presence of H₂S gas (concentration range 1–20 ppm in air) was observed with the simultaneous formation of water and sulfide ions at 225 °C. An improvement of the H₂S sensing potential is obtained, using an intermediate short heat treatment at higher temperature (500 °C) in the beginning of recovery (desorption) phase. This intermediate high temperature, used before every expected exposure to H₂S gas, may contribute the formation of an initial surface coverage of O^2?.     

Synergistic cocatalytic effect of MoO3 and creatinine on Cu–Fenton reactions for efficient decomposition of H2O2

The key scientific problems with conventional Fenton reactions are the acidic pH dependence and low ROS production due to inefficient decomposition of H₂O₂. Although Cu–Fenton reactions can break the pH limitation, there is still an urgent need to improve the overall reaction efficiency, and thus broaden its applicability. Herein, we describe a synergistic strategy by introducing MoO₃ cocatalyst and creatinine (Cr) assistant to enhance the efficiency of Cu–Fenton reactions at near-neutral pH. In this strategy, Cu²⁺ interacts with Cr to form a complex (CuCr₂), which is then mainly linked to MoO₃ via the Cu²⁺ binding site (CuCr₂/MoO₃). Experimental and theoretical calculation results manifest that the CuCr₂/MoO₃ exhibits an excellent cocatalytic activity, which significantly facilitates the rate-limiting step of Cu–Fenton reactions, and enables the efficient decomposition of H₂O₂ for the generation of three reactive oxygen species (ROS, ?OH, ¹O₂, ?O₂^?). More significantly, this cocatalytic system with high oxidation activity can be applied for the detection of Cu²⁺ and ROS-based chemodynamic therapy (CDT), as well as sterilization of Escherichia coli. This study represents a new breakthrough in improving the efficiency of Fenton-based reactions with a facile and promising strategy, and drives great progress in practicality.     

Fuel‐Free Bio‐photoelectrochemical Cells Based on a Water/Oxygen Circulation System with a Ni:FeOOH/BiVO4 Photoanode

A bio‐photoelectrochemical cell (BPEC) based on a fuel‐free self‐circulation water–oxygen–water system was fabricated. It consists of Ni:FeOOH modified n‐type bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) photoanode and laccase catalyzed biocathode. In this BPEC, irradiation of the photoanode generates photocurrent for photo‐oxidation of water to oxygen, which is reduced to water again at the laccase biocathode. Of note, the by‐products of two electrode reactions could continue to be reacted, which means the H₂O and O₂ molecules are retained in an infinite loop of water–oxygen–water without any sacrificial chemical components. As a result, the assembled fuel‐free BPEC exhibits good performance with an open‐circuit potential of 0.97 V and a maximum power density of 205 μW cm^?2 at 0.44 V. This BPEC based on a self‐circulation system offers a fuel‐free model to enhance multiple energy conversion and application in reality.     

The Roles of Composition and Mesostructure of Cobalt-Based Spinel Catalysts in Oxygen Evolution Reactions

By using the crystalline precursor decomposition approach and direct co-precipitation the composition and mesostructure of cobalt-based spinels can be controlled. A systematic substitution of cobalt with redox-active iron and redox-inactive magnesium and aluminum in a cobalt spinel with anisotropic particle morphology with a preferred 111 surface termination is presented, resulting in a substitution series including Co₃O₄, MgCo₂O₄, Co₂FeO₄, Co₂AlO₄ and CoFe₂O₄. The role of redox pairs in the spinels is investigated in chemical water oxidation by using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN test), electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and H₂O₂ decomposition. Studying the effect of dominant surface termination, isotropic Co₃O₄ and CoFe₂O₄ catalysts with more or less spherical particles are compared to their anisotropic analogues. For CAN-test and OER, Co³⁺ plays the major role for high activity. In H₂O₂ decomposition, Co²⁺ reveals itself to be of major importance. Redox active cations in the structure enhance the catalytic activity in all reactions. A benefit of a predominant 111 surface termination depends on the cobalt oxidation state in the as-prepared catalysts and the investigated reaction.