Amphiphilic CoP/CN heterojunction for photocatalytic microplastics degradation synergistic hydrogen generation

Abstract

Microplastics, a novel kind of environmental pollutant, have attracted global attention due to detrimental effects on organisms and ecosystems. In this study, solvothermal method combined with phosphating treatment were used to prepare a series of amphiphilic CoP/g-C₃N₄ composites (CoP/CN), which facilitate the resource conversion of microplastics into high-value carbon-containing products through photocatalytic oxidation, while simultaneously producing clean energy by splitting water into hydrogen (H₂). The photocatalytic activity of CoP/CN in the reaction process of microplastics degradation synergistic hydrogen generation is influenced by the hydrophilicity and CoP content. It was found that treating g-C₃N₄ with ethanol can enhance the hydrophily of the resulting CoP/CN material. Notably, at a CoP content of 2 wt%, the CoP/CN (E) exhibited a smaller contact angle of 39.48° lower than those of other samples, achieving the highest H₂ evolution activity of 1.3 mmol g⁻¹ within 4 h. Besides, the microplastic (PET) can be successfully degraded and transformed into value-added products using amphiphilic CoP/CN material under irradiation. This investigation offers a promising photocatalytic strategy for the sustainable management of microplastics pollutant, highlighting the potential for resource recovery and clean energy generation.