Photo- and photoelectrocatalytic methods based on WO3 for removal of contaminants of emerging concern

Herein, we present a photo-electrochemical method based on WO3 photoanodes. WO3 is a semiconductor that once photoexcited (up to 450 nm) generates OH● radicals via a reaction between water and valence band holes. In turn, these radicals start the oxidation of a drug molecule. Electrons are brought to a cathode where a reduction reaction can take place. Results of photo- and photo-electrocatalytic degradation on different drug molecules (such as atenolol, carbamazepine, levofloxacin) by WO3 will be presented. It is showed that application of a bias accelerates the degradation kinetics