Modulated interfacial NiTiO₃/NiSe₂ electrocatalyst with enhanced electro-oxidation performance for norfloxacin degradation

The use of electro-oxidation in water treatment process is an inexhaustible pathway to achieving a desirable level of water availability in the future, due to its merits. In this work, operational parameters influencing the electro-oxidation of norfloxacin in water treatment were investigated by applying nickel-based NiTiO₃/NiSe₂ advanced material. The modulated Ni-based material displayed superior electrochemical properties above its pristine materials. Notably, 6.9 mA peak current, 12.3 Ω charge transfer resistance, and 43.7 mA cm^{− 2} current density were obtained from cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and linear sweep voltammetry, respectively. This revealed the electrochemical versatility of the NiTiO₃/NiSe₂ electrode over the pristine materials. Findings from this work showed that the application of moderate current density, coupled with mild stirring of the solution, can prolong the lifespan of the electrode during electro-oxidation. Additionally, the concentration of the analyte can affect charge transport across the electrode-solution interface, thereby impacting the rate of electrogeneration of reactive species. Also, the effect of competing reactions can influence reactive oxygen species generation in the electro-oxidation medium. Considering these influences, the electro-oxidation of 5 mg L^{− 1} norfloxacin at pH value of 4 and 5 mA cm^{− 2} operational conditions, achieved 96.4% using the modulated NiTiO₃/NiSe₂ electrode. Furthermore, the electrode showed remarkable stability at these conditions, suggesting that the interfacial advantage exhibited by the Ni-based electrode, coupled with the application of appropriate operational conditions, can elevate the influence of electro-oxidation in water treatment and environmental sustainability.