Catalytic ozonation of clofibric acid over copper-based catalysts: In situ ATR-IR studies

[Display omitted] •Cu-based catalysts are highly active for rapid and complete degradation of CFA.•Among all tested Cu-catalysts, Cu1–Al1 is the most active and stable catalyst.•In situ ATR-IR studies verify chemisorptions of water at surface of catalyst.•Strong interact of ozone at Lewis acid sites initiate formation of activated species. The current study describes the catalytic ozonation of clofibric acid (CFA) under ambient conditions using copper oxide catalysts synthesized by different methods. The objective of this study is to provide novel catalysts and reaction mechanism for the degradation of emerging pharmaceutical compounds in aqueous solution. Among the various Cu catalysts screened in this study, the Cu1–Al1 oxide catalyst showed an excellent activity and stability in the degradation and mineralization of CFA. In situ attenuated total reflection IR (ATR-IR) spectroscopy was used to examine the interaction of ozone with the active sites of the catalyst in presence of water and to investigate the possible catalytic mechanism. The presence of Lewis acid sites in the Cu1–Al1 catalyst increased the amount of chemisorbed water enhancing stronger interaction of ozone to form surface activated species, resulting in higher catalytic activity. The results obtained from in -situ ATR-IR study indicate that surface hydroxyl groups and Lewis acid sites are responsible for promoting the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH) from aqueous ozone.