Degradation of endocrine disruptor, bisphenol-A, on an mixed oxidation state manganese oxide/modified graphite oxide composite: A role of carbonaceous phase.

Modified graphite oxide (ΝGO) was used as a support of a manganese oxide of hausmannite type (Mn3O4) nanocatalyst and applied for the degradation of an endocrine disruptor, bisphenol-A (BPA). The prepared nanocomposite/catalyst (NGO-Mn3O4), as well as pure modified graphite oxide and manganese oxide, were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, nitrogen adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and potentiometric titration. The maximum removal activity for all the materials was measured at pH = 3. The NGO-Mn3O4 nanocomposite showed the highest removal efficiency of BPA at an ambient temperature without light irradiation and/or the addition of chemicals, which can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the composite formation. The nanocomposite exhibited a high catalytic activity for the degradation/oxidation of BPA, which was dramatically higher than that of the pristine Mn3O4 phase. Modified graphite oxide showed also an enhanced capability for the BPA removal, which was linked to an increased physical adsorption component.