Sulfate radical degradation of acetaminophen by novel iron–copper bimetallic oxidation catalyzed by persulfate: Mechanism and degradation pathways

Abstract A novel iron coupled copper oxidate (Fe 2 O 3 @Cu 2 O) catalyst was synthesized to activate persulfate (PS) for acetaminophen (APAP) degradation. The catalysts were characterized via field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The effects of the catalyst, PS concentration, catalyst dosage, initial pH, dissolved oxygen were analyzed for treatment optimization. Results indicated that Fe 2 O 3 @Cu 2 O achieved higher efficiency in APAP degradation than Fe 2 O 3 /PS and Cu 2 O/PS systems. The optimal removal efficiency of APAP (90%) was achieved within 40 min with 0.6 g/L PS and 0.3 g/L catalyst. To clarify the mechanism for APAP degradation, intermediates were analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Three possible degradation pathways were identified. During reaction, Cu(I) was found to react with Fe(III) to generate Fe(II), which is the most active phase for PS activation. Through the use of methanol and tert -butyl alcohol (TBA) as radical trappers, SO 4 − was identified as the main radical species that is generated during oxidation.