Tuning Fe 3 O 4 for sustainable cathodic heterogeneous electro-Fenton catalysis by acetylated chitosan

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213480120
• Publication Date: 2023-03-23T17:47:22Z
• Authors: Xiao-Cheng Liu; Kun-Xiao Zhang; Jun-Sheng Song; Guan-Nan Zhou; Wen-Qiang Li; Rong-Rong Ding; Jing Wang; Xusheng Zheng; Gongming Wang; Yang Mu
• Keywords: Social Sciences; 6. Clean water; 12. Responsible consumption

Peroxidase-like catalysts are safe and low-cost candidates to tackle the dilemma in constructing sustainable cathodic heterogeneous electro-Fenton (CHEF) for water purification, but elusive structure–property relationship of enzyme-like constitutes a pressing challenge advancement CHEF processes practically relevant wastewater treatment. Herein, we probe origins catalytic efficiency process by artificially tailoring peroxidase-like activity Fe 3 O 4 through series acetylated chitosan-based hydrogels, which serve as ecofriendly alternatives traditional carbon shells. The optimized chitosan wrapping hydrogel on cathode shows an impressive stability process, overcoming complicated environmentally unfavored procedures electro-Fenton-related processes. Structural characterizations theoretical calculations reveal that amide group can modulate intrinsic redox capacity surficial sites toward catalysis via neutral hydrogen bond. This work provides path molecule-level insight rational design high-efficiency beyond.