Degradation of PVA wastewater by CuxMnxFe3-2xO4/MWCNT catalyst

CuxMnxFe3-2xO4/MWCNT nanocomposites were prepared by co-precipitation method. The structure, morphology, and surface properties of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), N-2 physical adsorption instrument, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The successful loading of metal oxides on MWCNTs increased the catalytic activity of nanocomposites. In addition, CuxMnxFe3-2xO4/MWCNTs were used as catalyst for the degradation of PVA wastewater by catalytic wet air oxidation. Under the degradation conditions, pH was 2.5, catalyst dosage was1.5 g/L, reaction temperature was 275 degrees C, oxygen pressure was 1.0MP, the PVA degradation rate was 99.94%, the viscosity average molecular weight was decreased by 99.36%, and the degradation products were small molecules such as aldehydes, phenols, and acids, which basically confirmed the degradation of PVA wastewater. The degradation principle and kinetics were analyzed. The catalyst was washed and recovered and can maintain good catalytic capacity after four times of repeated use.

Automated summary

The CuxMnxFe3-2xO4/MWCNT nanocomposites were prepared using a co-precipitation method, showing increased catalytic activity with successful loading of metal oxides on MWCNTs. These nanocomposites demonstrated efficient degradation of PVA wastewater and maintained good catalytic capacity even after multiple reuse cycles.