Insights into the Degradation Mechanisms of TCH by Magnetic Fe3S4/Cu2O Composite

Unique Fe 3 S 4 /Cu 2 O composites were constructed with high Fenton-like photocatalytic activity through the impregnation coprecipitation method. The structure, morphology, optical, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties of the as-prepared composites were explored in detail. The findings suggest that small Cu 2 O particles were grown on the surface of Fe 3 S 4 . The removal efficiency of TCH by Fe 3 S 4 /Cu 2 O was 65.7, 4.75, and 3.67 times higher than that of pure Fe 3 S 4, Cu 2 O, and the Fe 3 S 4 + Cu 2 O mixture, respectively, when the mass ratio of Fe 3 S 4 and Cu 2 O was 1:1 at pH 7.2. The synergistic effect between Cu 2 O and Fe 3 S 4 was the main factor for TCH degradation. The Cu + species from Cu 2 O increased the Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ cycle during the Fenton reaction. • O 2 – and h + were the main active radicals; however, • OH and e – played the second role in the photocatalytic degradation reaction. Moreover, the Fe 3 S 4 /Cu 2 O composite retained good recyclability and versatility, and could be conveniently separated by a magnet.