Functionalization of graphene sponge electrodes with two-dimensional materials for tailored electrocatalytic activity towards specific contaminants of emerging concern

Low-cost graphene sponge electrodes were functionalized with two-dimensional (2D) materials, i.e., borophene and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), using a one-step, hydrothermal self-assembly method. Borophene hBN-modified anode N-doped cathode employed for electrochemical degradation of model persistent contaminants emerging concern in one-pass, flow through mode, low-conductivity supporting electrolyte. Functionalization the reduced oxide (RGO) coating 2D materials led to specific modifications electrodés electrocatalytic performance interactions target contaminants. For instance, addition hBN promoted adsorption more hydrophobic organic via van der Waals π-π interactions. enhanced generation oxidant species such as H2O2 O3 yielded an order magnitude higher concentration hydroxyl radicals (HO·) compared non-functionalized anode, thus enhancing removal Experiments conducted selective radical scavengers indicated key role surface-bound (HO·ads) singlet oxygen (1O2) degradation. The study demonstrates that functionalization can enhance their activity modulate interaction contaminants, opening new possibilities designing tailored remove groups pollutants.