Preparation of CuFe₂O₄ via freeze-drying method and its application in boosting peroxymonosulfate activation to degrade rhodamine-B dye

The transition bimetallic oxide catalyst demonstrates the ability to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS), generating oxidative active groups and facilitating room temperature reactions, all at a relatively low cost. The freeze-drying method was successfully utilized to obtain CuFe₂O₄ to boost peroxymonosulfate activation to degrade rhodamine-B dye. The catalyst underwent characterization through XRD and SEM. The impact of various reaction parameters, such as initial pH value and PMS dosage on the degradation of rhodamine-B, was examined. The results revealed that the CuFe₂O₄ catalyst obtained via freeze-drying method as the precipitant exhibited uniform and regular particle characteristics, remarkable crystallization degree, high purity, enormous specific surface area, and an absence of impurity functional groups. Additionally, the prepared CuFe₂O₄ material showcased enhanced catalytic performance. To carry out the catalysis process, the rhodamine-B concentration was set at 20 mg·L⁻¹, with an amount of 200 mg·L⁻¹ of CuFe₂O₄ material used. The optimal pH was determined to be 9.0, while the ideal PMS concentration was found to be 1.0 mmol·L⁻¹. Under these specific conditions, an impressive 99% degradation rate of rhodamine-B was achieved in just 27 min of catalysis.