Efficient Photocatalytic Fuel Cell via Simultaneous Visible-Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation and Electricity Generation on a Porous Coral-like WO3/W Photoelectrode

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Abstract
Photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) has been proved effective for generating electricity and degrading pollutants aiming at resolving environment and energy problems. However, the degradation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), still remains challenging. In the present work, a porous coral-like WO3/W (PCW) photoelectrode with well-designed energy band structure was used for the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of POPs and the simultaneous generation of electricity. The as-constructed bionic porous coral-like nano-structure greatly improved the light harvesting capacity of PCW photoelectrode. A maximum photocurrent density (0.31 mA/cm2) under visible-light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation and a high IPCE value (5.72 % at 420 nm) were achieved. Owing to the unique porous coral-like structure, suitable energy-band position, and strong oxidation ability, such PCW photoelectrode based PFC system exhibited strong capability in simultaneous photoelectrocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and electricity generation under visible-light irradiation, with a power output (0.0013 mV/cm2) by using PFOA as fuel. This work provides a promising way to construct a reliable photocatalytic fuel cell using highly toxic POPs to generate electricity.
Funding Information
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (21876112, 21477079, 21803038, 21207090, 21261140333, 21876113)
  • China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2018M630981)
  • Shanghai Normal University (S30406, DXL122)
  • Changjiang Scholar Program, Ministry of Education (IRT1269)

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