Quasi-MOF derivative-based electrode for efficient electro-Fenton oxidation

Developing efficient and robust materials for emerging electrodegradation of organic pollutants has attracted broad interests. In this study, a novel controlled pyrolysis approach was employed to fabricate a quasi-MOF derivative-based electrode by pyrolyzing MIL-101(Fe) anchored on a polyaniline-modified carbon fiber paper at 400 °C. The construction of the accessible Fe-O sites, and the in situ generation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with graphene-like carbon layers coated, would enhance the electro-Fenton activity of the electrode, which was used as the cathode. The results showed that 100 % of 50 mg L−1 p-nitrophenol and 52 % total organic carbon were removed in 120 min under a current density of 5 mA cm-2, suggesting that the prepared electrode had a more efficient mineralization current efficiency and less energy consumption compared with electrodes before pyrolysis. Notably, the stability of the electrode was greatly improved, maintaining its outstanding performance even after ten runs. The plausible reaction mechanism and degradation pathway were also proposed. This new pyrolysis strategy is expected to serve as a paradigm for designing efficient electrode in electro-Fenton remediation field.