Catalytic PMS oxidation universality of CuFe₂O₄/MnO₂ heterojunctions at multiple application scenarios

The magnetic CuFe₂O₄/MnO₂ heterojunctions were prepared by hydrothermal method, and the effect of different reaction temperature on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activity was investigated. The CuFe₂O₄/MnO₂ heterojunctions prepared at 100 °C can effectively activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) at multiple application scenarios for degradation and mineralization of tetracycline, o-nitrophenol and ceftriaxone sodium under indoor light, visible light and dark condition. Additionally, the CuFe₂O₄/MnO₂-PMS system showed high catalytic activity and anti-interference ability for degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants in natural water bodies and industrial wastewater. The TC removal efficiency in Qianhu Lake water, Ganjiang River water and tap water was about 88%, 92% and 89%, respectively. The CuFe₂O₄/MnO₂-PMS system is also effective for actual pharmaceutical wastewater treatment with 77.9% of COD removal efficiency. Interestingly, the reactive species of CuFe₂O₄/MnO₂-PMS system under visible light are different from those in dark condition, and the different catalytic mechanisms at multiple application scenarios were proposed. This work provides new insights into mechanism exploration of heterojunction catalyst for PMS activation.