Nonsacrificial Template Synthesis of Magnetic-Based Yolk–Shell Nanostructures for the Removal of Acetaminophen in Fenton-like Systems

Abstract

Recently, yolk-shell structured materials with active metal cores have received considerable attention in heterogeneous Fenton-like systems, which have excellent catalytic performance. In this study, we initially attempted the nonsacrificial template synthesis of yolk-shell structured nanoparticles with magnetite cores encapsulated in a mesoporous silica shell (FeO@SiO) via a modified sol-gel process and then evaluated their catalytic activity for acetaminophen degradation in Fenton-like systems. Second, copper nanoparticles were decorated on the surface of the FeO@SiO microspheres (FeO@SiO@Cu) to enhance the catalytic activity. The morphological, structural, and physicochemical properties of the prepared materials were characterized via X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, field emission transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, specific surface area, ζ-potential, magnetic properties, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results demonstrated a successful fabrication of the targeted materials. The yolk-shell structured materials possess a spherical morphology with an active core, protective shell, and hollow void. The FeO@SiO and FeO@SiO@Cu variants showed acetaminophen removal rates significantly higher compared to those of their counterparts, i.e., the FeO and FeO@Cu core-shell structures. FeO@SiO@Cu showed that the copper nanoparticles were firmly immobilized on the mesoporous silica shell, dramatically improving the catalytic performance. Both the yolk-shell structured FeO@SiO and FeO@SiO@Cu exhibited good separation and satisfactory regeneration properties, which could be recycled six times without any obvious decline in catalytic activity. Overall, the results of this study suggested that FeO@SiO and FeO@SiO@Cu yolk-shell nanostructures could be promising catalysts for a heterogeneous Fenton-like system by which the removal of emerging contaminants can be greatly improved.

An Iron Oxychloride/Reduced Graphene Oxide Heterojunction with Enhanced Catalytic Performance as a Photo‐Fenton Catalyst

“…Unfortunately, the sluggish kinetics for the Fe III to Fe II reduction greatly limit its application, and the improvement of the reaction kinetics is the main challenge for the heterogeneous Fenton reaction. To improve the reduction reaction, Fe III ‐based composites have been explored; however, these composites must be used under harsh conditions (e.g., with acidic solutions, ultraviolet light, visible light, high temperature, or electrical energy) …”

Step‐by‐step synthesis of copper(I) complex supported on platinum nanoparticle‐decorated mesoporous silica hollow spheres and its remarkable catalytic performance in Sonogashira coupling reaction

“…As shown in FT‐IR spectra, for all silica‐based materials, the strong broad peak around 1090 cm −1 arises from the asymmetric stretching vibration of the Si–O–Si group, whereas the weaker absorption bands at 806 and 460 cm −1 correspond to the Si–O symmetrical stretching vibration 35,36 . Furthermore, a broad peak around 3200–3600 cm −1 and the peak at 1659 cm −1 correspond to the –O–H stretching vibration and H–O–H bending vibration due to the existence of surface hydroxyl groups and adsorbed water, respectively 37 . In the FT‐IR spectrum of Schiff base‐functionalized sample (Pt‐MSHSs‐L), the aromatic C–H groups and aliphatic CH 2 stretching vibration bands are located at 2800–2950 cm −1 38 .…”

Synthesis and Characterization of Cu Decorated Zeolite A@void@Et-PMO Nanocomposites for Removal of Methylene Blue by a Heterogeneous Fenton Reaction

“…Obviously, the copper ions maybe decorate on the supporting materials in form of bare Cu 0 and Cu2O. In addition, the broad peaks at approximately 22.8 degrees, referring to the amorphous structure, is the characteristic of typical materials from sol-gel processing [31]. The diffraction peaks of Cu/A@Et-PMO and Cu/Et-PMO are lower than that of Cu/SiO2, which due to the nanoparticles are highly dispersed into pore channels and the diameter of samples is smaller.…”