Enhanced decomposition of dimethyl phthalate via molecular oxygen activated by Fe@Fe2O3/AC under microwave irradiation

► Microwave irradiation induces the electrons transferring from AC to Fe@Fe2O3 and reacts with molecular oxygen. ► Microwave heating accelerates the electron transferring from AC to Fe@Fe2O3 to generate reactive oxygen species. ► This environmental remediation method is feasible for aqueous organic pollutants treatment.