Enhanced Power Generation Using a Dual-Surface-Modified Hematite Photoanode in a Direct Glyphosate Photo Fuel Cell

Given the current and escalating global energy and environmental concerns, this work explores an innovative approach to mitigate a widely employed commercial herbicide using a direct glyphosate (Gly) photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC). The device generates power continuously by converting solar radiation, degrading and mineralizing commercial glyphosate-based fuel, and reducing sodium persulfate at the cathode. Pristine and modified hematite photoanodes were coupled to Pt/C nanoparticles dispersed in a carbon paper (CP) support (Pt/C/CP) dark cathode by using an H-type cell. The Gly/persulfate PFC shows a remarkable current and power generation enhancement after dual-surface modification of pristine hematite with segregated Hf and FeNiOx cocatalysts. The optimized photoanode elevates maximum current density (J(max)) from 0.35 to 0.71 mA cm(-2) and maximum power generation (P-max) from 0.04 to 0.065 mW cm(-2), representing 102.85 and 62.50% increase in J(max) and P-max, respectively, as compared to pristine hematite. The system demonstrated stability over a studied period of 4 h; remarkably, the photodegradation of Gly proved substantial, achieving similar to 98% degradation and similar to 6% mineralization. Our findings may significantly contribute to reducing Gly's environmental impact in agribusiness since it may convert the pollutant into energy at zero bias. The proposed device offers a sustainable solution to counteract Gly pollution while concurrently harnessing solar energy for power generation.