In this work, one compartment Photoelectrochemical Cell (PEC) fabricated with inexpensive materials photodegraded selected organic compounds present in model waste waters, with the advantage of producing electrical current. Degradation of pollutants in waste waters by photoeletrocatalysis is well known. The photoelectrocatalytic degradation behaviour of the anti-inflammatory Sodium Diclofenac and others organic contaminants in aqueous solution was studied. TiO₂ was utilized as the catalyst under different sources of UV and solar radiance. The catalyst was immobilized in a carbon cloth and in a variety of conductive supports as the photoanode and an air-cathode was utilized to allow an increase in oxygen concentration during the reduction process. By utilizing this photocatalytic process in a Photo Fuel Cell (PFC) device, the rate of organic pollutants destruction may be greatly enhanced, at the same time producing useful electrical energy.

A range of environmental conditions will be explored such as fuel/pollutant concentration level, electrolyte composition and pH variation, in order to determine the best performing catalyst/support/environment combination. A transition metal oxide-based air cathode will also be used (replacing expensive platinum) in conjunction with a modified PFC design, thus characteristics and mechanistic insights will be ascertained as a result.