Heterogeneous sono-Fenton catalytic degradation of bisphenol A by Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles under neutral condition

In this study, the Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized as heterogeneous catalysts to effectively degrade bisphenol A (BPA). The properties of the synthesized catalysts were characterized by Brunnaer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The results indicated that the Fe3O4 MNPs appeared to be roughly spherical shapes and their average size was 10–20 nm. The catalytic capacity of MNPs in US + Fe3O4 + H2O2 system with different pH conditions, H2O2 concentrations and MNPs doses was investigated. It was found that the OH radicals were promptly generated due to the catalysis of the Fe3O4 MNPs. BPA could be degraded within a wide pH range from 3 to 9, and the degradation efficiencies were remarkably enhanced by ultrasound. The apparent rate constants were 8.31 × 10−3, 7.96 × 10−3 and 5.64 × 10−3 min−1, respectively, when the pH values were 3, 7 and 9, respectively. The removal efficiencies of BPA were all over 95%. About half total organic carbon (TOC) in solution was eliminated under neutral condition by sono-Fenton process. Furthermore, the results of stability and reusability demonstrated that the Fe3O4 MNPS were promising in the treatment of wastewater with refractory organics.

► Fe3O4 MNPs synthesized by facile coprecipitation method were characterized roundly.
► Bisphenol A can be effectively eliminated in US + Fe3O4 + H2O2 system in neutral pH.
► Fe3O4 MNPs performed similar good activity within a wide pH range from 3 to 9.
► Fe3O4 remained good stability and activity even after several recycles.