NiO-Ni foam supported Ag3PO4 for efficient photoelectrocatalytic degradation of oil pollutant in water

The treatment of oily wastewater has received significant attention because of its negative influence on environments. Despite various methods on oil removal were developed, photoeletrocatalysis (PEC) technique is considered to be a promising method. In this study, Ag3PO4@NiO-Ni foam photoelectrode was synthesized through the "hydrothermal-impregnation-calcination" three-steps to realize the PEC degradation of oil pollutants in water. The introduction of NiO-Ni foam provides simultaneous advantages of functioning as an electrode material and the synergistic photodegradation with Ag3PO4. The resulting Ag3PO4@NiO-Ni foam photoelectrode are characterized and utilized for the degradation of diesel and crude oil under PEC condition. Within two hours, the photoelectric removal of 1000 mg/L diesel can reach 88.7%. The influence of virous environmental factors, such as pH, temperature, inorganic cation and humic acid, on PEC degradation have been investigated. After 10 cycles, the removal of more than 70% can still be maintained. Finally, the possible PEC degradation mechanism was analyzed. This provides effective theoretical support for the treatment of actual oily wastewater.