Peroxymonosulfate enhanced photoelectrocatalytic degradation of 17α-ethinyl estradiol

This work aimed at the degradation of synthetic estrogen 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) via a combined photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process. Pristine TiO2/WO3 photoanodes were fabricated used in this work. The removal 1 mg L−1 EE2 increased from 47.9 % to 88.8 60 min by adding 10 PMS an external bias V. was degraded presence 0.05 M sodium sulfate as electrolyte. rate constant for PEC-PMS process 0.044 min−1 which higher than light-activated (0.0053 min−1) PEC (0.01 min−1). with increase voltage concentration. decreased reached 62.5 48.5 when NaCl or NaClO4 respectively electrolyte, highlighting crucial role electrolytes efficiency. Both radical non-radical mechanisms participated destruction EE2, however photogenerated carriers dominant. Ecotoxicity using Vibrio fischeri indicator decreased, although not proportionately parent compound Solar/TiO2/WO3/PMS system.