Cobalt ferrites/activated carbon: Synthesis, magnetic separation and catalysis for potassium hydrogen persulfate

Abstract

Abstract Magnetic cobalt ferrites (CoFe2O4)/activated carbon (AC) nanocomposites were prepared by the hydrothermal method, and then the catalysis for potassium hydrogen persulfate (PMS) to degrade methylene blue (MB) was investigated. The results indicated that 9\u202fwt% CoFe2O4 nanoparticles supplied the sufficient magnetic response for magnetic separation and activated PMS to generate SO4− radicals. The pore-structures of AC could adsorb the residual MB in high concentration near CoFe2O4 catalysts, and promoted MB degradation with SO4− radicals. CoFe2O4/AC nanocomposites presented the good stability and reusability. It was proved that the synergistic effect of PMS and CoFe2O4/AC nanocomposites could greatly improve the MB removal to 100% at the optimized conditions for 60\u202fmin.