A novel copper-based catalyst supported by a long-chain hydrocarbon
stearic acid (CuxO@C18H36O2) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method and
double replacement reactions. The as-prepared catalyst is shown as
self-assembled hierarchical nanoflakes with an average size of ∼22
nm and a specific surface area of 51.4 m2 g–1. The catalyst has a good performance on adsorption as well as Fenton-like
catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The catalyst (10 mg/L)
showed an excellent adsorption efficiency toward RhB (20 mg/L) for
pH ranging from 5 to 13, with the highest adsorption rate (99%) exhibited
at pH 13. The Fenton-like catalytic degradation reaction of RhB (20
mg/L) by CuxO@C18H36O2 nanoflakes was effective over a wide range of pH of
3–11, and •OH radicals were generated via
Cu2O/H2O2 interactions in acidic
conditions and CuO/H2O2 reactions in a neutral
solution. The highest efficiency catalytic degradation of RhB (20
mg/L) was 99.2% under acidic conditions (pH = 3, H2O2 = 0.05 M), with an excellent reusability of 96% at the 6th
cycle. The results demonstrated that the as-prepared CuxO@C18H36O2 nanoflakes
are an efficient candidate for wastewater treatment, with excellent
adsorption capacity and superior Fenton-like catalytic efficiency
and stability for RhB.