Photoelectrochemical disinfection efficiency of WO3-based photoanodes: Development of multifunctional photoelectrocatalytic materials

• Published in: Catalysis today 2024-07, Vol.437, p.114783, Article 114783
• Main Authors: Reddick, Conor, Sotelo-Vazquez, Carlos, Tam, Brian, Kafizas, Andreas, Reynolds, Ken, Stanley, Simon, Creasey, George, Hankin, Anna, Pablos, Cristina, Marugán, Javier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: E. coli; Heterojunction; MS2 virus; Nanostructure; Water treatment
• ISSN: 0920-5861
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2024.114783

Access to safe water is a growing global concern, with millions lacking acceptable water sources. Photocatalysis offers eco-friendly water remediation, yet its combination with electrocatalysis for both water treatment and hydrogen production remain underexplored. This study investigates UVA LED photoelectrocatalysis using WO3-based photoanodes, alone or in heterojunction with BiVO4, to purify wastewater and co-produce hydrogen. Tests on polluted water streams containing 105 PFU mL−1 of MS2 bacteriophage virus and 106 CFU mL−1 of E. coli reveal that nanostructured WO3 achieves rapid MS2 disinfection within 5 min. (k= 0.80 min−1), with enhanced efficiency over flat counterparts. However, nanostructuring does not improve E. coli inactivation due to bacterium size constraints. These findings advance the design of tandem photoreactors for dual wastewater purification and energy generation. [Display omitted] •WO3 photoelectrocatalysts effectively inactivate microorganisms & oxidise methanol.•Nanostructured WO3 enhances inactivation vs. flat WO3 by boosting surface area.•Nanostructured WO3 achieves a notably high MS2 inactivation constant (k=0.80 min−1).•Potential system for dual wastewater treatment and hydrogen generation.