Performance enhancement and catalytic mechanism identification of Cu-based composite for degradation of organic contaminants.

The development of heterogeneous catalysts of non-noble metal with both high reactivity and activity for the oxygen reduction reaction in catalytic degradation of organic pollutants is a formidable challenge. Here we design an innovative and rational self-propagating combustion method for metallic glasses to synthesize Cu-based composite with high catalytic activity, in which the main compounds of Cu and Cu 2 O are uniformly dispersed on the surface. The Cu/Cu 2 O/ZrO 2 composite exhibits superior catalytic capability compared to other catalysts. The degradation efficiencies all are approximately 99.8% and the total organic carbon (TOC) removals can be up to more than 60% under optimal reaction conditions. The degradation intermediates and possible decomposition pathways of two dyes for Fenton-like catalytic system were systematically investigated. Importantly, the possible catalytic mechanisms can be proposed catalytic oxidation reaction by activated hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide anion radicals (·O 2 −). These findings provide a new strategy to design efficient composite catalysts for the functional application of wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • The multifunctional Cu/Cu 2 O/ZrO 2 composite was synthesized by selt-igniting metallic glasses. • The Cu/Cu 2 O/ZrO 2 composite exhibited superior catalytic performance than other various materials. • Kinetic constant and activation energy during degradation process were calculated. • Main reactive species are hydroxyl and superoxide radicals generating to activate H 2 O 2 in catalytic reaction. • Synergistic effect between Cu and Cu 2 O to accelerate the electron transfer was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]