Activated Peroxymonosulfate with Co, B-Doped Copper Oxide Nanomaterials for Highly Efficient Degradation of 4-Chlorophenol

Abstract

Degradation or decontamination of chlorophenols is one vital aspect for environment-protection especially achieving high water quality. In the current work, a series of cobalt boron-modified copper oxide nanocomposites (Co,B-CuO) were prepared and screened their reactivities for the degradation of p-chlorophenol (4-CP) in the presence of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The Co,B-CuO possesses exposed active surface as well as positive Cu-Co synergistic effect, and further enhances the 4-CP degradation by activating PMS. Physical characterizations showed that Co,B-CuO300 exhibited a large number of pores and network structure, and CoB phases were successfully dispersed on the surface of CuO. Furthermore, Co,B-CuO300 exhibited the best ability for activating PMS, and could completely degraded 4-CP within 10 min. The Co,B-CuO300 sample is two to thirteen folds dominative than Co,B-CuO400, Co,B-CuO500, CuO and CoB, respectively. Remarkable reactivities of Co,B-CuO composites are attributed to the amounts of oxygen vacancies, copper-cobalt synergy, and increased generation of reactive radicals. Meanwhile, Co,B-CuO300 displayed attractive better recyclability and anti-interference ability. The Co,B-CuO300/PMS system exhibited high efficiency in the degradation of various types of organic pollutants, including phenolic compounds and antibiotics, under mild conditions. Overall, Co,B-CuO nanocomposites hold promise for large-scale practical application in the activation of PMS and subsequent degradation of organic pollutants.

Keywords: Co, B-doped CuO nano-catalyst, Peroxymonosulfate, p-chlorophenol, Degradation, detoxification