CuCo2O4/CF cathode with bifunctional and dual reaction centers exhibits high RhB degradation in electro-Fenton systems

Cobalt-based oxide CuCo2O4-loaded CuCo2O4/carbon felt (CF) composite cathodes were synthesized by hydrothermal deposition of a precursor of Cu/Fe oxides on CF followed by roasting in air. The material serves both catalytic and cathodic dual functions in the heterogeneous electro-Fenton (EF) process. Through XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscope), and catalytic experiments, it was concluded that CuCo2O4 loading was successful and the highest hydrophilic 180-CuCo2O4/CF was obtained by varying the hydrothermal temperature without destroying the original structure. 180-CuCo2O4/CF accomplished 98.03 % degradation in 60 min, and it was found to maintain high degradation capacity in the pH 3 similar to 9 range in experiments where the experimental parameters were varied. Compared to monometallic oxides, Cu and Co dual active centers are integrated in CuCo2O4, giving it diverse redox properties and oxidation states. As a result, the CuCo2O4/CF material can realize the dual function of catalytic and cathodic, which provides a new development direction in practical wastewater treatment.