α-Fe2O3/Cu2O composites as catalysts for photoelectrocatalytic degradation of benzotriazoles

Given the difficulties of degrading benzotriazole (BTA), this study used a one-pot hydrothermal method to prepare α-Fe2O3/Cu2O (FC) composites for photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of BTA. The characterization of FC structure showed that Cu2O in cubic crystals was loaded with circular sheets of Fe2O3. Owing to this structure, FC showed efficient PEC degradation of BTA when exposed to ultraviolet light. The experimental results demonstrated that FC efficiently degraded BTA. When the PEC degradation continued for 60 min, 100% degradation of BTA was achieved because FC enhanced the photoelectron-hole separation and the separation and transfer of articulated carriers. High performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that intermediates formed during the PEC degradation of BTA. Finally, various pathways for degradation of BTA were postulated. This FC-based PEC system provides a harmless and effective method for degradation of BTA.