Facile fabrication of WO3CuO/RGO as a catalyst for enhanced catalytic oxidation of pesticide and organic dye by activation of persulfate under visible light

In the present study, the WO3CuO/RGO nanocomposite was fabricated for activating persulfate (PS) for organic pollutants degradation under visible-light irradiation. Several techniques were used for identification of catalyst features. The characterization results revealed the successful construction of the nanocomposite. The effects of operation factors influencing to the removal process were also studied. At optimal conditions (11 mg L−1 pollutant, nanocomposite 0.55 g L−1, PS concentration: 0.9 mM, pH: 5 and reaction time: for rhodamine B degradation (50 min) and for diazinon degradation (40 min)), diazinon and rhodamine B were completely degraded. Free radicals were detected during quenching experiments. Singlet oxygen (1O2), hydroxyl radical (OH•) and sulfate radical (SO4∙−) have an important role in the degradation process. A possible mechanism for PS activation was proposed. A significant potential was obtained in reusing of catalyst in four sequential runs. In conclusion, the WO3CuO/RGO-PS system can be applied as a promising process into efficient removal of organic pollutants due to high catalytic activity and high recyclability potential.