Enhanced removal of methyl orange using Cu–Al and Co–Al catalysts: mechanistic insights into peroxymonosulfate activation
摘要
This study aims to synthesize and characterize copper-alumina (Cu–Al) and cobalt-alumina (Co–Al) oxides materials for the catalytic degradation of the textile dye Methyl Orange (MO) in an aqueous solution. The materials were prepared via the co-precipitation method and characterized using several physicochemical techniques. The effects of key parameters including the oxidant peroxymonosulfate (PMS), catalyst dosage, and dye concentration were investigated to optimize the degradation process. Experimental results revealed that both Cu–Al and Co–Al catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic activity, achieving rapid degradation of Methyl Orange, within 2 min. Radical scavenging experiments indicated that the superoxide radical (O2·−) was the primary reactive species involved in the degradation process, contributing up to 93% of the overall removal. High degradation rates were observed for the Cu–Al and Co–Al catalysts, reaching 92% and 93%. This remarkable efficiency was also found during the degradation of the Quinolline Yellow (E104) dye, reflecting the robustness of the catalytic system. Although lower performances were recorded for the dye Metanil Yellow (MY), the results remain promising, with degradation rates of 49% for Cu–Al and 53% for Co–Al.