Iron-copper oxide nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide for the degradation of cyclophosphamide by photo-Fenton reaction

• Published in: Catalysis today 2023-11, Vol.423, p.114010, Article 114010
• Main Authors: Pérez-Poyatos, L.T., Pastrana-Martínez, L.M., Morales-Torres, S., Sánchez-Moreno, P., Bramini, M., Maldonado-Hódar, F.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bimetallic catalysts; Cyclophosphamide; Heterogeneous catalysis; PhotoFenton; Reduced graphene oxide
• ISSN: 0920-5861; 1873-4308
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2023.01.017

Bimetallic (Fe-Cu) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/FeCu catalysts at 0.2% wt. were developed by a co-precipitation method, modifying the Fe-Cu molar proportions (i.e., Fe40Cu60, Fe20Cu80 and Fe10Cu90) and tested for the degradation of the cytostatic drug, cyclophosphamide (CP) in aqueous solution using the photo-Fenton process (UV-Vis). Physicochemical characterization was carried out by complementary techniques (gas adsorption, SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS) and results were correlated with the catalytic performance. The effect of pH on the degradation of the contaminant and the catalyst stability (metal leaching) were studied. The results point out the synergetic effect of the rGO/FeCu catalysts in comparison to the monometallic catalysts or without carbonaceous material. The best performance was achieved with the rGO/Fe10Cu90 catalyst achieving 82% of CP degradation at natural pH regarding 87% obtained under acid conditions (pH 3). This fact avoids the usual acidification of the solutions during Fenton-like processes and prevent the metal leaching, increasing the stability of catalysts, as demonstrated after consecutive degradation cycles, maintaining efficiency above 75%. Cytotoxicity tests certificated the low toxicity of the by-product derived from the photo-Fenton process. [Display omitted] •Fe - Cu bimetallic nanoparticles with different molar ratios were supported on rGO.•The synergy between metallic phases and support improve the catalyst efficiency.•rGO/Fe10Cu90 was the best combination due to its performance and efficient reuse.•Cyclophosphamide degradation at neutral pH by photoFenton process reached 85%.•The low toxicity of treated solutions guarantees the viability of the processes.