Degradation of organic pollutants by visible light synergistic electro-Fenton oxidation process

Visible light irradiation combined with homogeneous iron and/or hydrogen peroxide to degrade organic dye rhodamine B (RhB) and small molecular compound 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in a home-made bottle reactor was assessed. The concentration of oxidize species, Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ were determined during the degradation process. The results demonstrated that visible light irradiation combined with electro-Fenton improved the degradation efficiency. Moreover, both RhB and 2,4-DCP were mineralized during visible light synergistic electro-Fenton oxidation process. 95.0% TOC (total organic carbon) removal rate of RhB occurred after 90 min and 96.7% of COD (chemical oxygen demand) removal rate after 65 min of irradiation. 91.3% TOC removal rate of 2,4-DCP occurred after 16 h of irradiation and 99.9% COD removal rate occurred after 12 h of illumination. The degradation and oxidation process was dominated by the hydroxyl radical (·OH) generated in the system. Both the impressed electricity and dye sensitization by visible light facilitated the conversion between Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺, thus, improving Fenton reaction efficiency.