Surface hydroxyl-riched calcium carbonate and copper oxide composites for Fenton-like removal of bisphenol A

Surface functional groups have a key role in the removal of contaminants by advanced oxidation technology. Here, we explored the role of surface hydroxyl groups on pollutant removal by constructing novel surface hydroxyl-riched CaCO3@CuO. The hydroxyl groups on the surface of the composite accelerated the adsorption between the peroxymonosulfate and the catalyst, accelerating the catalytic reaction, and the kinetic removal rate of bisphenol A increased by 2.76 times. 1O2 is the dominant reactive oxygen species in the CaCO3@CuO/PMS/BPA system. The system has wide pH adaptability (pH = 3–11), good tolerance to complex water environments. This study provides novel insights into the mechanism of polymerization by surface hydroxyl groups in Fenton-like reactions for contaminant removal.