Insights into the synergy of zero-valent iron and copper oxide in persulfate oxidation of Orange G solutions

The degradation of Orange G (OG) by persulfate (PS, S 2 O 8 2− ) activated with dual catalysts that combined zero-valent iron (ZVI) and copper oxide (CuO) was investigated through batch experiments. Effects of pH, initial OG concentration, persulfate dosages, and dosages of dual catalysts on OG degradation were also examined. Higher persulfate concentration and catalysts dosages resulted in higher OG degrading rates. The OG degradation was higher under acidic conditions (pH 3.0 and 5.0) when compared to alkaline conditions. The constituents and the morphology of the catalysts coating before and after reaction were also investigated with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Radical mechanism was studied and three radical scavengers [methanol (MA), tert-butanol (TBA), phenol] were used to determine the type of major active species taking part in the degradation of OG. It was assumed that the \({\text{SO}}_{4}^{ \cdot - }\) or \({\text{HO}} \cdot\) played a major role in the OG degradation. In conclusion, the ZVI/CuO/PS system is a good candidate for use in detoxifying water contaminants.