Synergetic PVA degradation and H2 evolution in photocatalytic fuel cells using Ag@Fe2O3 cathode

In a dual-chamber photocatalytic fuel cell device, polyvinyl alcohol degradation and H 2 evolution were concurrently achieved. The setup involved commercial P25 as the photoanode and Ag@Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles as the cathode. Additionally, the feasibility of a Fenton-like reaction in the cathode, utilizing Fe 2+ ions and pumped O 2 , was demonstrated. Different cathode materials, polyvinyl alcohol types, and pH values’ effects were assessed on device performance. Quenching tests highlighted photoinduced holes (h + ) and OH· radicals as pivotal contributions to polyvinyl alcohol degradation. Long-term stability of the device was established through cycling experiments.