Efficient oxidative degradation of fluconazole by a heterogeneous Fenton process with Cu-V bimetallic catalysts

In this study, a novel Cu-V bimetallic catalyst (CuVOx) with abundant surface defects was successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. Degradation experiment of emerging pollutant fluconazole confirmed that CuVOx exhibited higher catalytic activity, wider pH applicability and more satisfactory reusability than monometallic copper compounds. Electron paramagnetic resonance and radical quenching tests indicated that surface hydroxyl groups play a crucial role in the degradation of contaminants. By the introduction of vanadium into copper-based materials, several surface properties that are closely related to the reactivity of the copper catalysts such as adsorption capacity, surface defects, and active sites concentration were improved. It was also found that the electron-rich center around Cu/V active sites and surface oxygen vacancies are responsible for the rapid dissociation of H2O2 and the efficient catalytic oxidation of fluconazole in CuVOx Fenton system. We also applied CuVOx Fenton to the degradation of various refractory organic pollutants, further confirming its excellent removal and detoxification efficiency for organic pollutants in the aquatic environment.