Synthesis of Co₃O₄-Bi₂O₃ using microwave-assisted method as the peroxymonosulfate activator for elimination of...

In this work, Co₃O₄-Bi₂O₃ was successfully synthesized using a microwave-assisted method [Co₃O₄-Bi₂O₃(MW)] and employed as a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator for bisphenol A removal. A reference catalyst was prepared using the same preparation conditions but different heating mode and labeled as Co₃O₄-Bi₂O₃(CH). The series of Co₃O₄-Bi₂O₃ was characterized using XRD, SEM, and N₂ adsorption to detect their crystallinity, morphology, and surface area, among others. Results indicated that both microwave and calcination significantly affected the characteristic and catalytic activity of the catalyst. Moreover, the microwave-irradiated catalyst calcined at 300 °C showed higher catalytic activity and mineralization percentage for BPA degradation than the conventionally heated catalyst calcined at the same temperature. Microwave temperature and microwave time of the proposed microwave-assisted method were also investigated. Compared with other catalysts, the present catalyst showed considerably superior preparation time and degradation efficiency. This study broadens a new horizon for advanced oxidation process using a PMS activator.