Framework Cu-doped A1PO4 as an effective Fenton-like catalyst for bisphenol A degradation

Cu-doped A1PO(4) molecular sieve was prepared by a hydrothermal method and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, extended X-ray absorption fine Structure, Xray photoelectron spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. The Cu(0.05)-AIP0(4) with Cu/Al molar ratio of 0.05 was highly effective and stable for the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) in the presence of H2O2 at room temperature and neutral pH conditions. The characterization results confirmed that Cu(II)/Cu(I) was co-incorporated into AlPO4 molecular sieve by chemical bonding of Cu-O-T (T for Al or P) in Cu(0.05)-A1PO(4), increasing the BET surface area of AlPO4 for more active sites. Excessive copper species existed in the form of Cu(II) and located in the extraframework sites, blocking the porous structure to decrease the specific surface area of AlPO4. The studies of electron spin resonance, in situ Raman spectra and other experiments verified that H2O2 was predominately converted into (OH)-O-center dot and HO2 center dot/O-2(center dot-) in Cu(0.05)-AIP04 suspension. Specially, the presence of BPA in Cu(0.05)-AIP04 suspension promoted the convertion of H2O2 into (OH)-O-center dot. A mechanism of heterogeneous Fenton catalysis was proposed on the basis of the cycle between Cu(I) and phenoxo-Cu(II) complexes during the interaction of Cu(0.05)-AIP04, BPA and H2O2. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.