Peroxymonosulfate activation by magnetic NiCo layered double hydroxides for naproxen degradation

It is desirable to prepare efficient catalysts to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for catalytic degradation of organic pollutants in water. This study reported on the preparation of a promising PMS activator, magnetic NiCo layered double hydroxides (Fe3O4 @NiCo LDHs) for naproxen (NPX) degradation in aqueous solution in the presence of PMS. Fe3O4 @NiCo LDHs were prepared by simple hydrothermal method. The structure characterization showed that the layered structure of the material was obvious, and there was no obvious agglomeration phenomenon. Magnetic nanoparticles Fe3O4 were loaded on the surface of Fe3O4 @NiCo LDHs to provide magnetism, which facilitated subsequent separation and recovery. The catalytic tests were carried out in a thermostatic oscillator (20 celcius, 180 rpm) and the results indicated that Fe3O4 @NiCo LDHs exhibited excellent catalytic performances for NPX in which 83.9% of NPX was removed within 20 min. Notably, Fe3O4 @NiCo LDHs maintained good reusability and stability with removal efficiency of 78.1% even after five cycles. In addition, the potential applications of Fe3O4 @NiCo LDHs for the degradation of NPX in actual water samples (the tap water and Yellow River water) were also investigated.

Automated summary

This study reported on the preparation of a promising PMS activator, magnetic NiCo layered double hydroxides (Fe3O4 @NiCo LDHs), for the degradation of naproxen in water. The catalytic tests showed that Fe3O4 @NiCo LDHs exhibited excellent catalytic performances and good reusability for the removal of the organic pollutant.