Carbon Nanotube-Supported FeCo2O4 as a Catalyst for an Enhanced PMS Activation of Phenol Removal

Abstract

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation has gained increasing attention for its water remediation. In this work, carbon nanotube-supported FeCo2O4 nanoparticles (FeCo2O4/CNT) were prepared and showed tremendous potential as a catalyst for PMS activation. The synergistic effect between FeCo2O4 and CNT in FeCo2O4/CNT promotes its better catalytic performance than individual CNT or FeCo2O4. The synthesized FeCo2O4/CNT could reach 100% phenol removal with a k value of 0.30 min−1 within 15 min ([PMS] = 0.3 g L−1, [FeCo2O4/CNT] = 0.3 g L−1). FeCo2O4/CNT can adapt well to a wide pH range (4–9) and a complex water component (with inorganic ions or organic matter). Moreover, the catalytic mechanism investigation suggested that both radical and non-radical pathways are accountable for the efficient removal of phenol.