Photosono activation of peroxymonosulfate using A3B phthalocyanines supported on titanium dioxide nanofibers for degradation of Rhodamine 6G

The development of efficient processes for the removal of organic compounds in wastewater is highly necessary for the sustainable development of the society. In this study, we report on the photo, sono and photosono-activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) using A₃B phthalocyanines (Pcs) functionalized titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanofibers as catalysts for the degradation of Rhodamine 6 G. The catalysts were characterized using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The functionalized fibers displayed enhanced degradation efficiency compared to individual Pc analogous and pristine TiO₂ fibers. The addition of PMS resulted in the complete degradation of Rhodamine 6G. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and reactive oxygen species scavenging studies revealed that photocatalytic process is instigated by ¹O₂, ^•O₂ and SO₄^•, whereas sono and photosono-catalytic processes are instigated by ¹O₂, ^•OH, ^•O₂ and SO₄^•. The results reveal that the developed process has the potential of being used as a future technology for the degradation of organic pollutants.