Rapid malachite green degradation using Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb3 metallic glass for activation of persulfate under UV-Vis light

•Influence parameters of malachite green dye degradation using Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb3 metallic glass are investigated.•First-order kinetic model fits well with malachite green degradation process.•Inclusion of Nb and Si enhances the surface stability of Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb3.•High reusability with acceptable dye degradation efficiency is observed.

In this work, it is the first time to report that Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb3 metallic glass having unique atomic structure was employed for activation of persulfate under UV-Vis light. The investigation evaluated the importance of influencing parameters, including dye concentration, persulfate concentration, ribbon dosage and light intensity, on malachite green (MG) dye degradation. The results reveal that 100% dye color removal with a reaction rate of k = 0.0849 min− 1 could be achieved within 30 min under specific parameters control. In addition, surface decay behavior of the catalyst also plays a significant effect on the reusability and sustainability. The inclusion of Nb atom in Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb3 promotes enrichment of Si atom on the ribbon surface, causing the formation of Si and Nb oxides to further improve the surface stability on both of free and roller-contacted surfaces. The precipitations on reused ribbon surface are confirmed as α-Fe, iron oxide and Si, Nb oxides, revealing a high potential of catalytic reusability for wastewater treatment. The present work will open a new gate for further realizing the high performance of industrial water treatment using metallic glass.

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