Fe2.5Co0.3Zn0.2O4/CuCr-LDH as a visible-light-responsive photocatalyst for the degradation of caffeine, bisphenol A, and simazine in pure water and real wastewater under photo-Fenton-like degradation process

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 291; p. 132920
• Main Authors: Fazli, Arezou, Brigante, Marcello, Khataee, Alireza, Mailhot, Gilles
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Chemical Sciences; CuCr-LDH; Doped magnetite; Micropollutants mixture; Mineralization; Sustainable photocatalyst; Sustainable photocatalyst; CuCr-LDH; Micropollutants mixture; Doped magnetite; Mineralization
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132920

This paper outlines the synthesis and application of a sustainable composite for the photo-Fenton-like degradation of caffeine, bisphenol A, and simazine. The phase, morphology, optical and magnetic properties of the samples were evaluated by different characterization techniques. The composite of Fe2.5Co0.3Zn0.2O4 and copper-chromium layered double hydroxide (CuCr-LDH) was determined to be the most favorable photocatalyst in the photo-Fenton-like process when compared with Fe3O4, Fe2.5Co0.3Zn0.2O4, CuCr-LDH, and Fe3O4/CuCr-LDH composite. Studying the efficiency of the photo-Fenton-like degradation process in the presence of the Fe2.5Co0.3Zn0.2O4/CuCr-LDH composite revealed a degradation rate constant of caffeine twice more than the sum of those obtained for the individual processes. This ascribes to the synergistic effect by which the photo-generated electron-hole from the catalyst and the efficient reduction of Fe3+, Cu2+, etc. during the photo-Fenton-like reaction is accelerated. Moreover, under the optimal condition and after 120 min of heterogenous photo-Fenton-like process at natural pH, > 90% of pollutants mixture was decomposed. The experiments fulfilled in near-real conditions demonstrated I) the high stability and magnetically recoverability of the photocatalyst and II) the proper degradation performance of the applied heterogenous photo-Fenton-process in the removal of pollutant mixture in different water bodies and in the presence of chloride and bicarbonate ions. [Display omitted] •Co0.3Zn0.2Fe2.5O4/CuCr-LDH composite as sustainable photocatalyst was synthesized.•Photo-Fenton-like process showed a synergetic effect in degradation of pollutants.•Under the optimal condition almost 90% of pollutants mixture was degraded.•68% of TOC removal was observed for the pollutants mixture after 4 h of process.•Different water types and available inorganic ions showed a low inhibiting effect.