Fabrication of novel magnetic Mg0.8Cu0.2Fe2O4/SiO2/CeO2 nanocomposite synthesized by a simple ultrasonic-assisted route for organic dye removal using Fenton-like reaction.

Abstract

Fenton-like degradation of contaminants is considered to be a feasible method for eliminating environmental pollution. In this study, a novel ternary Mg0.8Cu0.2Fe2O4/SiO2/CeO2 nanocomposite was fabricated using a novel ultrasonic-assisted technique, and investigated as a Fenton-like catalyst for the removal of tartrazine (TRZ) dye. The nanocomposite was synthesized by first coating the SiO2 shell around the Mg0.8Cu0.2Fe2O4 core via a Stöber-like process to form Mg0.8Cu0.2Fe2O4/SiO2. Then, a simple ultrasonic-assisted route was used to synthesize Mg0.8Cu0.2Fe2O4/SiO2/CeO2 nanocomposite. This approach provides a simple and environmentally friendly way to produce this material without the use of any additional reductants or organic surfactants. The fabricated sample demonstrated excellent Fenton-like activity. The efficiency of Mg0.8Cu0.2Fe2O4 was significantly enhanced by the incorporation of SiO2 and CeO2, and complete removal of TRZ (30mg/L) was achieved within 120min using 0.2g/L of Mg0.8Cu0.2Fe2O4/SiO2/CeO2. The scavenger test shows that the main active species is the strong oxidizing of hydroxyl radicals (HO•). Consequently, the Fenton-like mechanism of Mg0.8Cu0.2Fe2O4/SiO2/CeO2 is explained based on the coexistence of Fe3+/Fe2+, Cu2+/Cu+, and Ce4+/Ce3+ redox couples. The removal efficiency of TRZ dye remained around 85% after the third recycling run, revealing that the nanocomposite could be employed to eliminate organic contaminants in water treatment. This research opened up a new avenue for expanding the practical application of new-generation Fenton-like catalysts.