Magnetic recyclable α-FeO-FeO/CoO-CoO nanocomposite with a dual Z-scheme charge transfer pathway for quick photo-Fenton degradation of organic pollutants

The integration of multiple degradation pathways in a single catalyst is a potential approach to advance the technologies of organic pollutant degradation. To integrate both the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction and Z-scheme configuration in a single catalyst, a novel magnetic separable α-Fe 2 O 3 -Fe 3 O 4 /Co 3 O 4 -CoO nanocomposite enriched with oxygen vacancies is fabricated via the solution combustion method by optimizing the fuel and nitrate ion concentration. The Z-scheme configuration along with oxygen vacancies contributes to in situ H 2 O 2 generation and simultaneous reactivation with high H 2 O 2 performance, which is required for the photo-Fenton process. Oxygen vacancies facilitate the charge carrier transfer in the Z-scheme system and promote interfacial electronic transmission involved in the redox cycle from Co III /Fe III to Co II /Fe II , inducing the generation of &z.rad;O 2 − , 1 O 2 , &z.rad;SO 4 − and &z.rad;OH radicals. Consequently, the transcendental catalyst exhibits excellent photo-Fenton photocatalytic features facilitating highly improved pollutant degradation under sunlight irradiation and Fenton reaction promoting the degradation in the dark as well. The photodegradation rate is enhanced 5.33 times and 3.6 times in the presence of H 2 O 2 and persulfate, respectively. This study opens the possibility of designing a single catalyst with different degradation mechanisms. A novel α-Fe 2 O 3 -Fe 3 O 4 /Co 3 O 4 -CoO nanocomposite was developed, integrating multiple degradation pathways. The Z-scheme configuration and oxygen vacancies contributes to in situ H 2 O 2 formation and simultaneous reactivation showing excellent performance.