Magnetic attraction constructed photoelectrocatalytic anode to enhance the simultaneous degradation of 17α-ethinylestradiol and tetracycline in reclaimed water

Diversified emerging contaminants pose significant threats to human health and the environment, greatly impeding the reuse of reclaimed water. Currently, photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) technology has been proven as an effective and feasible method for removing contaminants, but its application is limited by complex preparation process of PEC anode. Herein, a novel magnetic attraction synthesis approach was proposed to develop a PEC anode named MnFe2O4-TiO2 nanotube arrays. The Magnet-MnFe2O4-TiO2 (MMT) anode presented several advantages, including a narrower band gap, decreased charge recombination rates, and minimal electron transfer resistance. The PEC system equipped with MMT anode achieved high degradation efficiencies, removing 76.4 % of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in 60 min and completely degrading tetracycline (TC) in 10 min. Various pathways for the generation of reactive radicals were clarified in the PEC system, including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and Fenton reaction. The contributions of each reactive radical were examined, wherein ·OH and ·O2− were primary contributors to the degradation of EE2 and TC, respectively. The identification of degradation products also verified the vital roles of reactive radicals in the degradation of two pollutants. This study explored the feasibility of a magnetic attraction synthesis strategy in enhancing the PEC performance to remove trace pollutants in reclaimed water. [Display omitted] •A novel magnetic attraction synthesis method for PEC anode (MMT) was proposed.•MMT exhibited superior photoelectric properties than traditional loading anode.•Efficient degradation of EE2 and TC was achieved by the MMT/C-PTFE system.•·OH and ·O2− were the primary species for EE2 and TC degradation, respectively.