Constructing Z-scheme NiMoO4@Co3O4 core-shell heterogeneous architectures with prominent photoelectrocatalytic performance toward water purification.

Photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) oxidation is an efficient and eco-friendly advanced oxidation process (AOP), which is a hot research topic in the treatment of organic wastewater. The selection of superior photoelectrode materials is the critical factor affecting PEC efficiency and the main challenge in practical application. In this work, novel NiMoO 4 @Co 3 O 4 hierarchical core-shell heterogeneous photoanodes were prepared through a two-step hydrothermal method and exhibited superior catalytic performance in the degradation of reactive brilliant blue KN-R. The wrapping of NiMoO 4 nanosheets on Co 3 O 4 nanowires electrode can enlarge its contact area with electrolyte, enable fast redox reaction and improve the long-term durability. The unique Z-scheme heterojunction structure between the two components ensured the effective separation of photo-generated carriers, facilitating the generation of OH and O2- during the PEC degradation process. The optimal NiMoO 4 @Co 3 O 4 -1.25 hierarchical architecture anode catalyst exhibited the highest removal rate of 83.65% of reactive brilliant blue KN-R in 120 min with long-term stability (∼12000 s) in 1.0 mol·L-1 H 2 SO 4 solution. This report may inspire the design and fabrication of heterostructure photoanode in water purification. [Display omitted] • NiMoO 4 @Co 3 O 4 core-shell heterogeneous was synthesized by a hydrothermal process. • It exhibited excellent degradation efficiency for reactive brilliant blue KN-R. • Its Z-scheme band structure was investigated. • The mechanism of the synergistic photoelectrocatalytic effect was explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]