Iron Phosphide Precatalyst for Electrocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye and Removal of Escherichia coli from Simulated Wastewater

Electrocatalysis using low-cost materials is a promising, economical strategy for remediation of water contaminated with organic chemicals and microorganisms. Here, we report the use iron phosphide (Fe2P) precatalyst electrocatalytic oxidation; degradation representative aromatic hydrocarbon, dye rhodamine B (RhB); inactivation Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. It was found that during anodic oxidation, Fe2P phase converted to phosphate (Fe2P-iron phosphate). This first can efficiently catalyze electrooxidation an molecule inactivate microorganisms in aqueous media. Using thin film precatalyst, achieved 98% RhB efficiency 100% E. under applied bias 2.0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode presence situ generated reactive chlorine species. Recycling test revealed exhibits excellent activity reproducibility RhB. High-performance liquid chromatography UV-Vis detection further confirmed (EC) dye. Finally, tests Lepidium sativum L., EC-treated solutions showed significantly diminished phytotoxicity when compared untreated These findings suggest Fe2P-iron electrocatalyst could be effective agent.