Promoting the role of Fe doping in WO3 toward enhancing H2O2 oxidation ability for contaminant degradation

The WO 3 semiconductor emerges as a photocatalytic material of remarkable potential in harnessing solar radiation absorption capabilities, with promising applications in the photocatalytic treatment of organic compounds. Nonetheless, a primary limitation in the fast recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes is caused by an ill-suited E CBM energy level, resulting in electrons not reacting with dissolved oxygen. In this study, Fe-doped WO 3 is used to improve the energy band structure and enhance H 2 O 2 oxidative activation. Results demonstrated strong photocatalytic activity in degrading ciprofloxacin antibiotic (CIP 40 ppm) and rhodamine B dye (RhB 40 ppm) with 74.1 % of CIP and a staggering 92.8 % of RhB being decomposed after 180 min of visible light irradiation. By some empirical investigations, we also demonstrated the role of Fe doping into WO 3 has significantly enhanced the oxidative properties of holes, effectively trapping photogenerated electrons and activating crucial reactions such as Fenton, like Fenton, and Haber-Weiss. This pioneering research not only presents a compelling solution for the treatment of stubborn organic compounds but also unveils a groundbreaking strategy to enhance the photocatalytic activity of semiconductors plagued by the weak reducing power of photogenerated electrons. • Fe:WO 3 undergoes a phase transition from monoclinic to hexagonal • Fe:WO 3 has a narrowed forbidden zone and enhanced photogenerated holes • Photogenerated electrons are utilized to reduce H 2 O 2 to create hydroxyl radical • Fe 3+ ions significantly contributed to Fenton reaction and Haber-Weiss reaction • Fe:WO 3 in presence of H 2 O 2 activation degraded CIP and RhB with high mineralization