The promoted photoelectrocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B over TiO2 thin film under the half-wave pulsed direct current

The photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) over nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2) coated working electrode was investigated under the half-wave pulsed direct current (DC). It was found that the PEC degradation of RhB was greatly enhanced under the half-wave pulsed DC mode, compared to under the constant DC mode widely used in the photoelectrochemical cells. It was mostly ascribed to it that the electrons could be more efficiently conducted into the outer circuit under the half-wave pulsed DC, leading to the improved generation of the holes at the surface of TiO2 working electrode and thereby promoting the PEC oxidation of RhB, relative to under the constant DC. We provide a simple and promising way to improve the photocatalytic oxidation of organic dyes over TiO2 thin film.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ A PEC technique driven under half-wave pulsed direct current is provided. ▶ The PEC efficiency under half-wave pulsed DC is improved than conventional DC. ▶ The electric induced electron transfer from RhB to TiO2 is suggested.