Cu-doped Bi2O3/Bi0 composite as an efficient Fenton-like catalyst for degradation of 2-chlorophenol.

Cu-doped BiO x composites were prepared with and without citric acid. In the presence of citric acid, Bi 0 and Cu 2+ /Cu + were confirmed to coexist in the composite (BiCu9/Bi 0 ) by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalyst showed high Fenton activity and stability for the degradation and mineralization of 2-chlorophenol in the pH range of 6–8. H 2 O 2 was predominately converted into OH radicals in BiCu9/Bi 0 suspension, as assessed by the electron spin resonance technique. In the composite, Bi 0 inhibited the oxidation of H 2 O 2 by Cu 2+ into O 2 and OH by reducing Cu 2+ , enhancing the reaction of H 2 O 2 with Cu + to produce OH. Intermediate determination showed that 2-chlorophenol was decomposed mainly by OH radicals into hydroxylation products, subsequently decomposed into short-chain organic acids, and eventually decomposed into CO 2 and H 2 O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]