Highly efficient removal of TBBPA and ATE by photocatalytic degradation with green synthesized NiO@CuHCF p-n heterojunction: Optimizations, kinetics, and mechanistic insights

Abstract

Because of their incorrect disposal and persistence in environmental media, two frequently used brominated flame retardants (BFRs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and allyl 2,4,6-tribormorphenul ether (ATE) pose serious health concerns. A green technique was used to synthesize the NiO@CuHCF nanohybrids, and their ability to degrade target BFRs was examined. The optimal removal circumstances included a dose of 10 mg of nanocatalyst, a pH of 9, and 10 mg L−1. In 120 minutes, TBBPA and ATE were practically completely eradicated followed by first-order kinetics. High surface area, visible light active band gap, low recombination rate, robust cross-linking with contaminants, and catalytic free radical generation are some of the unique features of NiO@CuHCF. Under 120 minutes, the NiO@CuHCF was able to achieve an ideal elimination rate of 91–97 % and a debromination rate of over 75.4–82.3 %. After 8 cycles, the composite demonstrated excellent catalytic performance and minimal catalyst loss, demonstrating its stability and reusability. In comparison to parent nanoparticles, the investigation revealed that NiO-modified CuHCF exhibited higher degrading efficiency. To evaluate the catalytic efficacy of NiO@CuHCF, the actual sample was also analyzed. The hypothesis that the degradation efficiency of leachate BFRs was lower than that of controlled ones was rejected due to the potential leaching of extra analyte. Major reaction products or intermediates were discovered using HPLC and GC-MS, which also suggested a possible degradation pathway. NiO@CuHCF nanohybrid is a promising nanomaterial for the photodegradation of BFRs and other pollutants from environmental matrices, with further research and development enhancing their practical implementation.