Degradation of organic dyes by tribo-catalysis based on copper silicide

Abstract

Tribo-catalysis represents an advanced environmental cleanup technology that converts everyday mechanical energy generated from friction into chemical energy to degrade organic pollutants. In this work, microscale copper silicide was used as a catalyst for tribo-catalysis. After stirring at 600 rpm for 24 h with a magnetic stirrer, the degradation efficiency of 5 ppm crystal violet reached 99.8%. Free radical quenching experiments combined with electron paramagnetic resonance analysis verified the formation and involvement of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals in the reaction process. Both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated the stability of the catalyst, while x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy before and after the reaction revealed surface elemental changes. In addition, it was found that the catalytic efficiency could be effectively improved by increasing the contact area between the magnetic stirring bar and catalyst and adjusting the rotational speed. Finally, degradation of other organic dyes and cycle experiments demonstrated the excellent performance of this catalyst. This work broadens the material system of tribo-catalysis and provides a reference for designing more efficient and environmentally friendly catalysts.