Efficient mineralization of ciprofloxacin using a 3D CexZr1−xO2/RGO composite cathode

• Published in: Environmental science. Nano 2017-02, Vol.4 (2), p.425-436
• Main Authors: Li, Yi, Li, Yanan, Xie, Baorong, Han, Jingjing, Zhan, Sihui, Tian, Yang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2051-8153; 2051-8161
• DOI: 10.1039/c6en00447d

In this work, 3D columnar Ce x Zr 1− x O 2 /RGO composite electrodes are prepared based on a hydrothermal self-assembly method, which were used as cathodes to degrade ciprofloxacin (CIP) for the first time in an electro-Fenton system. The composite was fully characterized using TEM, XRD, BET, XPS, CV and EIS. Moreover, it can be found that the Ce 0.75 Zr 0.25 O 2 /RGO composite electrode exhibited a superior degradation efficiency for CIP, compared with the CeO 2 /RGO electrode. The enhanced degradation efficiency originates from synergistic effects of the electrosorption of 3D RGO, Ce 0.75 Zr 0.25 O 2 electrocatalysis and powerful oxidation of hydroxyl radicals (&z.rad;OH). CIP was completely degraded within 5 h and the TOC removal efficiency reached 96.38%. The Ce 0.75 Zr 0.25 O 2 /RGO composite cathode is a prospective candidate for degradation of CIP in an electro-Fenton system. 3D columnar Ce x Zr 1− x O 2 /RGO composite electrodes were prepared based on a hydrothermal self-assembly method and were used as cathodes to degrade ciprofloxacin (CIP) for the first time in an electro-Fenton system.