Study on the Efficiency and Mechanism of a Novel Copper-Based Composite Material Activated by Supramolecular Self-Assembly for Degrading Reactive Red 3BS

TL;DR

A new copper-based material efficiently degrades a tough textile dye using a hydrogen peroxide system, offering a green solution for wastewater treatment.

Contribution

The first application of a supramolecular self-assembled CuO/Cu2O(SO4)2 composite material for dye degradation in a sodium bicarbonate-activated hydrogen peroxide system.

Findings

MEL-Cu-6HNA achieved 95% decolorization of Reactive Red 3BS within 30 minutes.

The material's three-dimensional sulfate framework and dual Cu2+ sites enhanced degradation efficiency.

Hydroxyl radicals were the primary reactive species, with sulfate and other radicals contributing to sustained degradation.

Abstract

To address the challenge of treating refractory organic dyes in textile wastewater, this study synthesized a novel copper-based composite material (designated MEL-Cu-6HNA) via a supramolecular self-assembly–pyrolysis pathway. Its core component consists of CuO/Cu2O(SO4), which was applied to efficiently degrade the Reactive Red 3BS dye within a sodium bicarbonate-activated hydrogen peroxide (BAP) system. This material was applied to degrade the Reactive Red 3BS dye using a sodium bicarbonate-activated hydrogen peroxide system. The morphology, crystal structure, and surface chemistry of the material were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was employed to identify reactive species generated during the reaction. The effects of dye concentration, H2O2 concentration, MEL-Cu-6HNA dosage, and coexisting substances in water on degradation efficiency were systematically investigated, with active species identified via EPR. This study marks the first application of the supramolecular self-assembled CuO/Cu2O(SO4)2 composite material MEL-Cu-6HNA, prepared via pyrolysis, in a sodium bicarbonate-activated hydrogen peroxide system. It achieved rapid and efficient decolorization of the recalcitrant Reactive Red 3BS dye. The three-dimensional sulfate framework and dual Cu2+ sites of the material significantly enhanced the degradation efficiency. MEL-Cu-6HNA achieved rapid and efficient decolorization of the recalcitrant Reactive Red 3BS in a sodium bicarbonate-activated hydrogen peroxide system. The material’s three-dimensional sulfate framework and dual Cu2+ sites significantly enhanced interfacial electron transfer and Cu2+/Cu+ cycling activation capacity. ·OH served as the primary reactive oxygen species (ROS), with SO42−, 1O2, and ·O2− contributing to sustained radical generation. This system achieved 95% decolorization within 30 min, demonstrating outstanding green treatment potential and providing a reliable theoretical basis and practical pathway for efficient, low-energy treatment of dyeing wastewater.

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