Cu(hexaamino triphenylhexane)/reduced graphene oxide composites with boosting electron-transfer properties for acetaminophen electrocatalytic degradation.

Electron-transfer properties, as great contributors for electrocatalytic oxidation on the anode, are crucial to pollution degradation. The strong relationship between electron-transfer properties and active species (such as radicals) generation of anode catalysts suggests a new strategy for pollution-degradation efficiency improvement. In this study, a novel composite of Cu(hexaamino triphenylhexane) [Cu(HITP)] and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was synthesized to construct electron-transfer pathways between the two layers. Benefiting from the connection formed through RGO-O-N-Cu, the electron transfer from RGO to Cu(HITP) was accelerated. The resettled charge distribution led the C atoms in the RGO layer, and the Cu and C atoms in Cu(HITP) layer acted as the main surface active sites. O, O, and reactive chlorine were then triggered to boost the degradation of acetaminophen. The source of O and O was more likely from surface oxygen groups rather than dissolved O. Overall, this research provided a perspective proof of conductive Cu(HITP)/RGO composite construction with 2D/2D structure for electrocatalytic-oxidation improvement.