Efficient wastewater treatment through nano-catalyst: The role of H2O2 and application in wide pH window

Abstract

The existence of toxic, non-biodegradable organic pollutants in wastewater has become an indisputable global observation of environmental problems. Degradation of organic pollutants using advanced oxidative processes like Fe-Fenton oxidation gained significant attention due to its potential in elimination of dye molecules. However, its narrow pH operating window (2.5–3.5 pH) and the residual iron limits their wide application. In this study, the bovine serum albumin encapsulated - copper sulfide (BSA-CuS) NPs for efficient degradation of organic pollutants was proposed. BSA-CuS NPs were successfully synthesized using simple thermal decomposition process and their physicochemical properties were thoroughly characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, HRTEM, FTIR and XPS. The synthesized CuS NPs shows superior performance in degrading of model organic dye in wide pH range when compared to the conventional Fe-Fenton systems. Later the influence of H2O2 sequential addition investigation revealed the enhanced degradation efficiency and its role was investigated with DFT hypothesis. The major contribution of active species responsible for the dye degradation was explored through scavenger study and reported the possible mechanism. Further the optimized condition was extended to real-time samples. Evaluation of recyclability, reduction in dissolved total organic carbon and antibacterial study evidence the potential of BSA-CuS as efficient and eco-friendly catalyst.

Keywords

• CuS nanoparticles
• Bovine serum albumin
• Catalysis
• Oxidative degradation
• Density functional theory