Synthesis of Co3O4-Bi2O3 using microwave-assisted method as the peroxymonosulfate activator for elimination of bisphenol A.

In this work, Co3O4-Bi2O3 was successfully synthesized using a microwave-assisted method [Co3O4-Bi2O3(MW)] and employed as a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator for bisphenol A removal. A reference catalyst was prepared using the same preparation conditions but different heating mode and labeled as Co3O4-Bi2O3(CH). The series of Co3O4-Bi2O3 was characterized using XRD, SEM, and N2 adsorption to detect their crystallinity, morphology, and surface area, among others. Results indicated that both microwave and calcination significantly affected the characteristic and catalytic activity of the catalyst. Moreover, the microwave-irradiated catalyst calcined at 300 °C showed higher catalytic activity and mineralization percentage for BPA degradation than the conventionally heated catalyst calcined at the same temperature. Microwave temperature and microwave time of the proposed microwave-assisted method were also investigated. Compared with other catalysts, the present catalyst showed considerably superior preparation time and degradation efficiency. This study broadens a new horizon for advanced oxidation process using a PMS activator.