Precursor chain length dependence of polymeric precursor method for the preparation of magnetic Fenton-like CuFe2O4-based catalysts

Heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts based on CuFe 2 O 4 were prepared by polymeric precursor method, using various polyhydroxy alcohols as polymeric agents: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and triethylene glycol. These catalysts were, respectively, characterized by XRD, SEM, pH PZC and VSM measurements. All catalysts showed typical ferromagnetic properties and highly catalytic activities for the degradation of methylene blue. When the chain length of polyhydroxy alcohols increased, the pH PZC value and particle size of these catalysts were not significantly modified, whereas the percentage of CuFe 2 O 4 tetragonal spinel phase decreased, leading to the decline of catalytic activity and the reduction in coercive field. Graphical Abstract