Development of an efficient single-atom catalyst using a Fe/Co@MoS2-CFC anode and a BiVO4-CFC cathode for the degradation of berberine and power generation under visible light irradiation

Antibiotics (or pharmaceuticals) have negative effects on the ecology and require efficient treatment. Here, Enhancing degradation performance of berberine(BBR) in PFC(photocatalytic fuel cell), a Fe-Co dual metal single atom species confined in MoS₂ (Fe/Co@MoS₂) with S-vacancy active sites was prepared and confirmed as effective photoanode in PFC with BiVO₄ as cathode. The mechanism and reason for this enhancement was investigated and clarified. The increase in activity arises from the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers, enhanced by piezoelectric effect. Photocatalysis over Fe/Co@MoS₂ can remove 100 % BBR within 40 min under visible light. Photocatalytic fuel cell (Fe/Co@MoS₂-CFC || BiVO₄-CFC) can degrade 93 % BBR with a maximum power density of 4.5 mW/m² without additional electrolytes. Active species studies and DFT calculations reveal a mechanism that involving the synergistic effects of holes, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen. This work provides high-efficiency antibiotic treatment method and new dual-metal single-atom catalyst for AOPs(Advanced oxidation Processes).