Catalytic ozonation of Acetaminophen with a magnetic, Cerium-based Metal-Organic framework as a novel, easily-separable nanocomposite

A novel Fe3O4@Ce-UiO-66 composite was prepared and tested in the catalytic ozonation of Acetaminophen (ACT) in aqueous solution under various experimental conditions. The Fe3O4@Ce-UiO-66 dramatically increased ACT degradation and mineralization in the catalytic ozonation process (COP); ACT degradation led to 14.1% total organic carbon (TOC) reduction by single ozonation process at pH 7 within 10 min, while in the presence of Fe3O4@Ce-UiO-66, 90.2% TOC was removed in the COP. It was shown that HO∙ was the main species improving ACT degradation and proved the effective catalyzing role of the synthesized MOF on the ozonation process enhancement. The catalyst was efficiently separated magnetically from the treated suspension and was stable, as well as reusable, for multiple cycles. Furthermore, the ACT degradation intermediates were identified utilizing LC-MS, from which the probable transformation pathways were suggested. In overall, this work offers deep insights into the potential of MOFs for accelerating the ozonation-mediated removal process of emerging contaminants in water treatment.