MOFs derived Co/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles embedded in graphitized carbon nanocubes as efficient Fenton catalysts

• Metal organic frameworks derived Co/Cu bimetallic carbon nanocubes (Cu x Co 10-x /CNC) have been prepared. • Cu x Co 10-x /CNC have been first used as Fenton catalysts in degradation of dye. • The optimized catalytic activity of Cu x Co 10-x /CNC was at Cu/Co ratio of 4/6. In this work, Cu-Co bimetallic nanoparticles embedded carbon nanocubes (Cu x Co 10-x /CNC) are synthesized by direct carbonization of Cu-Co bimetal ZIF. The ratio of Cu and Co nanoparticles in Cu x Co 10-x /CNC as well as morphology, pore structure and graphitization degree of carbon substrates can be tuned by adjusting the molar ratio of Cu/Co (0:10, 1:9, 2:8, 3:7, 4:6 and 5:5) in ZIF precursors. The Fenton catalytic performances of Cu x Co 10-x /CNC are further studied by degrading a typical azo dye, Acid Orange II (AOII). The results show the Cu x Co 10-x /CNC with a Cu/Co ratio of 4/6 display the highest catalytic activity with faster dye degradation rate than other catalysts, which may be ascribed to the synergetic effects of optimized ratio of Cu/Co bimetals, high surface area and graphitized carbon framework. The stability and reusability of the catalyst has been investigated, showing a good performance after five consecutive runs. The catalysts prepared in this study can be used as an attractive alternative in heterogeneous Fenton chemistry and wastewater treatment.