Novel ferromagnetic CuFe2O4/Cu as a highly active catalyst for microwave-Fenton-like reaction

Abstract To overcome the short retention time in small-scale wastewater treatment plants, it is necessary to develop processes with fast reaction rates. The microwave-Fenton-like reaction (MW-Fenton-like reaction), which combines external energy and catalysts, provides a solution with rapid reaction rate and high degradation efficiency. In this reaction, catalysts significantly influence decomposition efficiency. Developing magnetic catalysts can simplify the separation process. In this study, the superiority of copper-based metal oxides for the MW-Fenton-like reaction was confirmed through comparative experiments of various metal oxides. Based on these findings, highly active CuFe2O4/Cu particles were developed. The synthesized particles, with rough-surfaced solid-sphere morphology, exhibited ferromagnetic properties and were completely separated using a laboratory-scale magnet. CuFe2O4/Cu also showed high degradation over a wide pH range and achieved the highest degradation rate at pH 7. Furthermore, comparison of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) degradation using MW and conventional heating demonstrated MW was superior in reaction rate, efficiency, and reusability.