Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Congo Red Dye with Activated Hydrotalcites and Copper Anode

Photoelectrocatalysis is a novel technique that combines heterogeneous photocatalysis with the application of an electric field to system through electrodes for degradation organic contaminants in aqueous systems, mainly toxic dyes. The efficiency these combined processes depends on semiconductor properties catalysts, as well anodic capacity electrode. In this study, we propose use active hydrotalcites Congo red dye assisted by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and current. Our research focused evaluating means photolysis, catalysis, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, identifying effect processes. results show maximum was reached photoelectrocatalysis process copper anode at 6 h 95% half-life 0.36 h. favored attack OH• radicals under double bonds diazo groups where electrode produces Cu2+ ions, photogenerated electrons, recombination speed electron–hole hydrotalcite catalyst reduced until complete degradation.