Abstract
The present study presents a highly efficient, visible light-induced photocatalytic degradation of Bisphenol A (BPA) by a CuO/Fe2O3/ZnO composite, synthesized using a sol-gel combustion method. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, SEM, BET, EDX, DRS, TEM, and XPS techniques. The synthesized CuO/Fe2O3/ZnO catalyst was found to perform optimally at neutral pH and 0.04 g/L catalyst dosage, while H2O2 addition initiated further radical degradation pathways. HCO3− and NO3− in the water had a negative effect on BPA degradation, but SO42−, Cl− and PO43− demonstrated a significant increase in reaction kinetics, thus allowing a real-water application. Radical scavenger tests revealed that hydroxyl radicals and holes play the main role in BPA degradation and mineralization. Toxicity tests and probit analysis showed a significant decrease of LC50 on Daphnia Magna neonates. Considering the exceptional characteristics and photocatalytic performance of CuO/Fe2O3/ZnO under visible light, its application could be an efficient alternative for the degradation of xenobiotic organic compounds from polluted waters.
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