Electron-Deficient Fe3o4@Ac-Nh2@Cu-Mof Nanoparticles for Enhanced Degradation of Electron-Rich Benzene Derivatives Via Synergistic Adsorption and Catalytic Oxidation

Benzene derivatives in wastewater have negative impacts on ecosystems and human health, making their removal prior to discharge imperative. In this study, Fe3O4@AC-NH2@Cu-opa (AC-NH2 = aminoclay, Cu-opa =[Cu(opa)(bipy)0.5(H2O)]n (H2opa = 3-(4-oxypyridinium-1-yl) phthalic acid)) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized as an adsorbent and catalyst for phenolic compound removal from wastewater. Fe3O4@AC-NH2@Cu-opa NPs exhibited excellent performance in adsorption of phenol with a capacity for adsorption up to 166.39 mg/g by the Langmuir fit, and significant enhancements in catalytic degradation, with a rate of approximately 3.4 times higher than that of Fe3O4. The high catalytic activity of the NPs is attributed to the large surface area and abundant active sites of the 2D charge-separated Cu-MOF. The composite also exhibited higher Fenton activity towards the degradation of electron-rich organic pollutants, suggesting its potential application in the treatment of wastewater containing such pollutants. Meanwhile, the superparamagnetism of the Fe3O4 core enables magnetic recollection and reuse without significant loss of activity. Therefore, Fe3O4@AC-NH2@Cu-opa/H2O2 could be shows promising potential as an efficient method for the removal of phenolic compounds from wastewater.