Work

Self-adaptive synchronous modulation of multi-junctions within immobilized CuOx mesh for durable photocatalysis-coupled sulfite-based AOPs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: An immobilized copper composite oxide mesh catalyst (CuO x ) featuring self-adaptive multi-junction interfaces was developed to address the inherent pH and oxygen sensitivities that typically restrict the efficiency of sulfite-based advanced oxidation processes (S(IV)-AOPs), thereby enabling visible light-assisted efficient degradation of sulfisoxazole under neutral S(IV)-containing conditions. Impressively, the CuO x -S(IV)/Vis system achieved 86.5% removal within 90 min and exhibited remarkable long-term stability over consecutive reaction cycles, attributed to the synchronous modulation within its dual-mechanism framework. Integrated experimental characterizations and First-principles computations demonstrated that the mutual reinforcement between S(IV) autoxidation and Vis-driven photocatalysis originates from the dynamic evolution of the internal multi-junction architecture, comprising internal electric field (IEF) across p-p and p-n heterojunctions as well as Schottky junctions that facilitate internal electron extraction (IEE). This work offers fundamental insights into regulating Vis-induced oxy-sulfur radical pathways via complementary and synergistic mechanisms, providing a viable strategy toward sustainable and efficient catalytic water purification.

Source: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental

DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2025.126181