Trimetallic magnetic nano-composite: A proficient heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst for methylene blue and paracetamol degradation

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities have resulted in the release of organic pollutants that present significant environmental health hazards due to their potential for contamination. In response to this concern, a novel heterogeneous trimetallic zerovalent copper and cobalt-loaded magnetite (nMZVCC) nano-composite catalyst was synthesized utilizing simple precipitation and chemical reduction methodologies. The effective immobilization of zerovalent copper and cobalt nanoparticles onto a glycine-coated magnetite core was corroborated through analytical techniques such as FTIR, XRD, EDS, and XPS. The trimetallic, nMZVCC, nano-composite exhibited enhanced catalytic efficacy in the degradation of methylene blue (96 %) in 60 min. and paracetamol (95 %) in 180 min. When compared with bimetallic nMZVC nano-composite. The peak catalytic efficiency of nMZVCC was attained through the meticulous optimization of parameters including pH, H₂O₂ concentration, catalyst dosage, and pollutant dosage. The findings from the adsorption study indicate that adsorption plays a pivotal role in influencing the heterogeneous Fenton-like degradation facilitated by the nMZVCC nano-composite catalyst. Hydroxyl radicals emerged as the primary reactive species involved in the mechanisms of pollutant degradation, as elucidated through scavenger tests. The reusability of the catalyst demonstrated a maintained efficiency (76 % removal efficiency in the third cycle) across three successive cycles, underscoring its promising applicability in wastewater treatment.