Study On Photocatalytic Fuel Cell Based Er-Al Co-doped ZnO

Purifying the secondary effluent of city sewage and reusing water resource has far-reaching significance for recycling the resource and making energy renewable. The photocatalytic fuel cell technology, converts chemical energy into electricity while degrades the pollution substance in the secondary effluent, which realize resources recycling. Er- Al co-doped ZnO was fabricated by a simple preparation method under no-harsh preparation conditions. When photocatalytic technology was used for purifying the secondary effluent, refractory organic matter which most biological treatme nt cannot degrade was removed. This technology also has short reaction period, fast and efficient and high stability, etc.The best doping ratio of Er and Al was investigated in this paper. For two elements doping system, five different doping ratios of Er and Al were chosen in this paper. We compared the degradation rate of MO by these photocatalysts with different doping ratio of Er and Al under visible light. Finally, it is concluded that when the atom ratio of Er to zinc is 1.5%, Al to zinc is 5%, the best degradation rate was obtained. Therefore, we adopt the proportion in the subsequent experiment.Of the above materials analyzed SEM, XRD, XPS, DRS, explore the morphology structure of the material, crystal morphology and surface chemical bonds, light absorption performance, etc.Er- Al co-doped ZnO electrode materials were prepared through spin coating the fine powder material on the surface of FTO, and calcinati ng under four different temperatures. COD and TOC degradation rate of the secondary effluent and electrochemical performance of the system were analyzed. Finally it is concluded that the material under 500 oC calcination can reach a best degradation rate for secondary effluent. XPS, XRD and SEM of the materials calcined under 500 oC was analysed.Through the above experimental analysis it can be concluded that the secondary effluent can be degradated by photocatalytic fuel cell system based on Er- Al co-doped ZnO. The system can achieve the effect of sterilization and can produce certain current, purificate of secondary effluent simultaneously. The fuel cell technology has certain reference value in the field of sewage treatment.