Enhanced degradation of 4-Cholophenol by activation of peroxymonosulfate with Fe-MOF@Mn2O3: Performance and mechanism

There has been growing attention in the combination of metal oxide nanoparticles with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the synergistically intensified catalytic activity. Herein, functional Fe-MOF@Mn 2 O 3 composites were synthesized to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for 4-Cholophenol (4-CP) degradation via a hydrothermal and calcination method. Under the reaction parameters of 2 mM PMS, 0.2 g/L catalyst dosage, and pH 7.0, 91.4% of 4-CP (10 mg/L) could effectively be degraded within 60 min (2.2-fold increase in reaction rate constant compared with pure Mn 2 O 3 ). The excellent degradation performance of Fe-MOF@Mn 2 O 3 /PMS system was attributed to the surface hydroxyl and synergistic effect between iron and manganese. Quenching reaction and EPR analysis revealed both sulfate (•SO 4 - ) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were responsible for 4-CP degradation. The Fe-MOF@Mn 2 O 3 composite exhibited intensive catalytic capability as well as electron transfer efficiency according to the electrochemical measurements. Meanwhile, the possible degradation pathways were proposed by analyzing intermediates via LC-MS detection. The results indicates that the Fe-MOF@Mn 2 O 3 /PMS system is effective and adaptable for the treatment of 4-CP in different water conditions. • The combination of Fe-MOF with Mn 2 O 3 nanoparticles catalyst enhanced the structure stability and catalytic efficiency. • The synergy of Fe-MOF@Mn 2 O 3 is ascribed to the accelerating redox cycles and electron transfer efficiency between Mn and Fe. • Proposed the possible pathway of 4-CP based on LC-MS results and dichlorination degree.