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

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.

Automated summary

This study synthesized a sustainable composite for the degradation of caffeine, bisphenol A, and simazine. The composite of Fe2.5Co0.3Zn0.2O4 and copper chromium layered double hydroxide (CuCr-LDH) showed the best performance in the photo-Fenton-like process. Under optimal conditions, the composite efficiently decomposed over 90% of the pollution mixture.