Fe3O4@Cu/C and Fe3O4@CuO Composites Derived from Magnetic Metal–Organic Frameworks Fe3O4@HKUST-1 with Improved Peroxidase-Like Catalytic Activity

Abstract Fe 3 O 4 @Cu/C and Fe 3 O 4 @CuO composites were achieved using nanoparticle-encapsulated MOFs Fe 3 O 4 @HKUST-1 as both a precursor and a self-sacrificing template. Fe 3 O 4 @HKUST-1 was thermally converted into magnetic Fe 3 O 4 @Cu/C and Fe 3 O 4 @CuO composites in different atmosphere (N 2 and air). The resulting composites not only kept superparamagnetic characteristics, but also exhibited improved peroxidase-like catalytic activity and high stability when compared to the precursor Fe 3 O 4 @HKUST-1. The morphology, crystal structure, magnetic and porous properties of Fe 3 O 4 @Cu/C and Fe 3 O 4 @CuO composites were characterized, and the kinetics parameters and the influence factors on the peroxidase-mimicking activity such as temperature, pH and H 2 O 2 concentration were evaluated. On account of the excellent peroxidase-like activity, the as-prepared Fe 3 O 4 @Cu/C and Fe 3 O 4 @CuO composites were successfully used for the catalytic removal of methylene blue (MB) dye with H 2 O 2 oxidant. This work provides an effective way to fabricate highly reactive MOFs-derived biomimetic catalysts, which have potential applications in bioassays and pollutant degradation. Graphic Abstract Fe 3 O 4 @Cu/C and Fe 3 O 4 @CuO composites were achieved using Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle-encapsulated HKUST-1 as self-sacrificial templates and demonstrated excellent peroxidase-like activity.