Supported CuO catalysts on metal-organic framework (Cu-UiO-66) for efficient catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of 4-chlorophenol in wastewater

A novel heterogeneous Fenton catalyst of Cu-UiO-66 metal-organic framework (MOF) was developed for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of wastewater containing the concentrated 4-chlorophenol. Cu-UiO-66 was characterized comprehensively using XRD, N₂ adsorption-desorption, SEM-EDS, TEM, H₂-TPR and XPS analysis to reveal its physical and chemical properties. Specifically, XPS results indicated the interaction of Cu species with framework Zr element, and H₂-TPR further proved the existence of CuO active component and thermal stability of the synthesized catalysts. The Cu-UiO-66 catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the CWPO of 4-chlorophenol wastewater (1,000 to 5,000 mg/L) with conversions of 98% achieved in 20 min and complete degradation in 40 min. Based on the detailed HPLC analysis of the reaction media, mechanistic study of the CWPO of 4-chlorophenol was performed.