Facile fabrication of WO3-CuO/RGO as a catalyst for enhanced catalytic oxidation of pesticide and organic dye by activation of persulfate under visible light

In the present study, the WO3-CuO/RGO nanocomposite was fabricated for activating persulfate (PS) for organic pollutants degradation under visible-light irradiation. Several techniques were used for identification of catalyst features. The characterization results revealed the successful construction of the nanocomposite. The effects of operation factors influencing to the removal process were also studied. At optimal conditions (11 mg L-1 pollutant, nanocomposite 0.55 g L-1, PS concentration: 0.9 mM, pH: 5 and reaction time: for rhodamine B degradation (50 min) and for diazinon degradation (40 min)), diazinon and rhodamine B were completely degraded. Free radicals were detected during quenching experiments. Singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radical (OH center dot) and sulfate radical (SO4 center dot-) have an important role in the degradation process. A possible mechanism for PS activation was proposed. A significant potential was obtained in reusing of catalyst in four sequential runs. In conclusion, the WO3-CuO/RGO-PS system can be applied as a promising process into efficient removal of organic pollutants due to high catalytic activity and high recyclability potential.

Automated summary

In this study, the WO3-CuO/RGO nanocomposite was successfully fabricated for visible-light activated degradation of organic pollutants using persulfate (PS). The characterization results confirmed the successful construction of the nanocomposite. The effects of various operating factors on the removal process were investigated. Under optimal conditions, complete degradation of diazinon and rhodamine B was achieved. Free radicals, including singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radical (OH center dot) and sulfate radical (SO4 center dot-), played important roles in the degradation process. The WO3-CuO/RGO-PS system showed promising potential for efficient removal of organic pollutants due to its high catalytic activity and recyclability.