Synthesis of high-efficiency phosphatized catalysts by using organophosphorus and biomass for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production via oxygen reduction

Transferring biomass waste into valuable catalysts has attracted extensive attention. Currently, biomasses are often contaminated via organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. Simultaneous conversion of agriculture waste and OPs into value products is a promising method. Herein, we propose a new strategy to transfer OPs-contaminated biomass into phosphorus-containing carbonaceous hydrothermal carbon (P-HTCC) catalysts. The hazardous organophosphorus will be transferred to phosphate and incorporated into the structure of HTCC. By using solar energy, this P-HTCC can reduce O2 to form H2O2. The phosphorus element raises the conduction band, twists the polychains, and lowers the electron transfer resistance of the catalysts. Also, DFT calculation indicates that the phosphorus element will optimize the structure of HTCC and make the reaction more thermodynamically favorable. Finally, the P-HTCC can generate H2O2 to degrade organic pollutants like Ibuprofen. This work provides a new method for simultaneous treatment of organophosphorus and biomasses, and provides a new method for H2O2 generation.