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

Unique Fe3S4/Cu2O 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 Cu2O particles were grown on the surface of Fe3S4. The removal efficiency of TCH by Fe3S4/Cu2O was 65.7, 4.75, and 3.67 times higher than that of pure Fe3S4, Cu2O, and the Fe3S4 + Cu2O mixture, respectively, when the mass ratio of Fe3S4 and Cu2O was 1:1 at pH 7.2. The synergistic effect between Cu2O and Fe3S4 was the main factor for TCH degradation. The Cu+ species from Cu2O increased the Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle during the Fenton reaction. •O2- and h+ were the main active radicals; however, •OH and e- played the second role in the photocatalytic degradation reaction. Moreover, the Fe3S4/Cu2O composite retained good recyclability and versatility, and could be conveniently separated by a magnet.