Bisphenol A degradation using waste antivirus copper film with enhanced sono-Fenton-like catalytic oxidation

This study investigated the applicability of waste antivirus copper film (CF) as a Fenton-like catalyst. The reaction activity of H₂O₂ and CF in combination was significantly enhanced by ultrasound (US) irradiation, and the synergy factor calculated from bisphenol A (BPA) degradation using CF-H₂O₂-US was 9.64 compare to that of dual factors. Photoluminescence analyses were conducted to compare the generation of hydroxyl radicals during both processes. In this sono-Fenton-like process, BPA degradation was affected by solution pH, temperature, ultrasound power, CF size, H₂O₂ dose, and initial BPA concentration. The BPA degradation curves showed an induction period (first stage) and a rapid degradation period (second stage). Process efficiency was totally and partially enhanced in the presence of chloride and carbonate ions, respectively. Chemical scavenger tests showed that both free and surface-bound hydroxyl radicals participate in BPA degradation under the sono-Fenton-like process using CF. The functional groups and copper crystals on the CF surface remained unchanged after five consecutive reuses, and the BPA degradation efficiency of CF was maintained over 80% during the reuse processes as a sono-Fenton-like catalyst.