Copper phosphide–phosphorus (Cu3P/P) hybrid nanomaterials: an in situ dioxygen activator in ambient aqueous conditions for advanced oxidation process

Abstract

To date, a great deal of interest has been focused on economical and environmentally friendly advanced oxidation processes (AOP) for the degradation of organic pollutants. Herein, the green synthesis of copper phosphide–phosphorus (Cu₃P/P) hybrid nanomaterials was achieved via a one-pot method using sodium phosphathynolate (NaOCP) as the phosphorus precursor in this study. The resulting Cu₃P/P exhibits remarkably high degradation activity as a catalyst in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in neutral aqueous solution in the absence of additional oxidants and external energy. The spontaneous generation of O₂˙⁻, H₂O₂ and ˙OH was detected in these AOPs. The experimental results show that Cu₃P/P first reduced dioxygen to generate O₂˙⁻, O₂˙⁻ reacted with water to further produce H₂O₂, and H₂O₂ and Cu(I) on the surface of Cu₃P/P underwent a Fenton-like reaction to generate ˙OH. Under the synergistic effect of O₂˙⁻ and ˙OH, the degradation of SMX reached 100% in 10 minutes. In addition, the good recyclability and low Cu ion leaching in the AOPs suggest that the Cu₃P/P nanomaterial is a promising catalyst for practical application.