Modification of a flexoelectric perovskite type LaMnO3 with APg-C3N4 for the removal of organic micropollutants: a synergy between tribo-catalysis and photo-illumination

Investigating the interaction between tribocatalysis and photocatalysis using the flexoelectric catalyst shows promising potential for water treatment. However, there is a lack of research on the combined effects of photocatalysis and tribocatalysis, especially when utilizing the flexoelectric catalyst. In this research, we synthesized the La0.8MnO3 modified with acid-activated porous Graphitic carbon nitride (APCNS) (La0.8MnO3@APCNS). We examined it using various methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tribocatalytic and tribo-photocatalytic performance of the La0.8MnO3@APCNS for degrading Rhodamine blue (RhB) and Methylene blue (MB) was explored. The results showed the PTFE magnetic bar, grinding wheel and La0.8MnO3@APCNS achieved degradation rates of 83.33% for RhB and 84.78% for MB within 360 min. When combining tribocatalysis and photocatalysis, the efficiency increased to 100% for RhB and 95.5% for MB within 90 min. Experimental evidence confirms the significant synergistic effects of combining both techniques. The scavenger test revealed that hydroxyl and superoxide radicals played a major role in degrading both dyes. The performance of the La0.8MnO3@APCNS remained consistent through the fifth cycle, for both dyes. This demonstrates effectiveness and underscores the potential practical and environmentally friendly aspects of tribo-photocatalytic techniques for purifying water.