Combination of photocatalytic and electrochemical degradation of organic pollutants from water

Photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) has been paid more and more attention in oxidizing organic pollutants. It has exhibited greater potential than individual photocatalysis and electrooxidation process. The synergistic effect between photocatalysis and electrocatalysis has been evidenced, which contributed to the high efficiency in the photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants. In this work, the basic principles and mechanisms of photoelectrocatalysis in oxidizing organic contaminants were introduced. With the increase of the applied potential, different synergetic mechanisms were described for the degradation of organic contaminants. The development of ultraviolet-response and visible light-response photoanode materials were reviewed and the application of photoelectrocatalysis in the removal of organics such as dyes, pharmaceuticals and personal care products and endocrine disrupting chemicals were summarized.