Construction of novel dual wave-absorbing ZnFe2O4/CNTs nanoparticles with more hotspots for enhanced microwave-induced catalytic activity：Performance and mechanism

Abstract

In this study, novel dual wave-absorbing ZnFe₂O₄/CNTs nanoparticles were successfully fabricated using a microwave hydrothermal method and applied for enhanced microwave-induced catalytic degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) in aqueous solution. The effects of various process parameters, including Fe³⁺ concentration (mass ratio of ZnFe₂O₄ to CNTs), MW irradiation time, MW power, initial BPA concentration, and catalyst dose on the degradation process were thoroughly assessed. The results indicate that ZnFe₂O₄/CNTs nanoparticles effectively utilize MW energy to generate more hot spots and exhibit superior MW catalytic activity at a 1.0:10.0 mass ratio (ZnFe₂O₄:CNTs), due to the synergistic effect between ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and CNTs under MW irradiation. Additionally, hydroxyl radicals (·OH) play a major role in the degradation process, while superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻) and holes (h⁺) play relatively minor roles. Potential intermediates and degradation pathways in the ZnFe₂O₄/CNTs/MW system have also been identified. Thus, the integrated ZnFe₂O₄/CNTs/MW technology shows great promise for treating environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) in water and wastewater.