Catalytic Evaluation of CuO/[Si]MCM‐41 in Fenton‐like Reactions

Abstract

AbstractCuO/[Si]MCM‐41 catalysts with various Si/Cu molar ratios were prepared and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, temperature‐programmed reduction by H2, and UV‐vis and Raman spectroscopy. The effects of copper loading and pH on their activity in the decolorization of methyl orange were studied in a heterogeneous Fenton‐like process. With decreasing Si/Cu ratio, dye decolorization increased from 18 to 75 % at pH 3. CuO/[Si]MCM‐41 catalysts showed 75, 50, and 40 % conversion of methyl orange at pH 3, 5, and 7, respectively. This is a significant improvement to Fenton‐like reactions involving copper, and thus CuO/[Si]MCM‐41 catalysts are quite promising for pollutant degradation.