Photosono activation of peroxymonosulfate using A3B phthalocyanines supported on titanium dioxide nanofibers for degradation of Rhodamine 6G

The development of efficient processes for the removal of organic compounds in wastewater is highly necessary for the sustainable development of the society. In this study, we report on the photo, sono and photosono-activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) using A3B phthalocyanines (Pcs) functionalized titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofibers as catalysts for the degradation of Rhodamine 6 G. The catalysts were characterized using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The functionalized fibers displayed enhanced degradation efficiency compared to individual Pc analogous and pristine TiO2 fibers. The addition of PMS resulted in the complete degradation of Rhodamine 6G. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and reactive oxygen species scavenging studies revealed that photocatalytic process is instigated by 1O2, •O2 and SO4•, whereas sono and photosono-catalytic processes are instigated by 1O2, •OH, •O2 and SO4•. The results reveal that the developed process has the potential of being used as a future technology for the degradation of organic pollutants. •Phthalocyanines (Pcs) are used to functionalize TiO2 fibers.•The modified fibers are used for photosono degradation of Rhodamine 6 G.•Addition of peroxymonosulfate resulted in a complete degradation of Rhodamine 6 G.