Red Brick Powder-Based CoFe 2 O 4 Nanocomposites as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Degrading Methylene Blue Through Activating Peroxymonosulfate

Chuqiao Sha, Fangkui Cheng, Shen Luo, Chao Zhou and Hong Zhang ()
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Chuqiao Sha: School of Architecture, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Rd., Nanjing 210096, China
Fangkui Cheng: Huaxin Design Group Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214100, China
Shen Luo: School of Architecture, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Rd., Nanjing 210096, China
Chao Zhou: School of Architecture, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Rd., Nanjing 210096, China
Hong Zhang: School of Architecture, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou Rd., Nanjing 210096, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-13

Abstract: CoFe 2 O 4 loaded onto red brick powder (CoFe 2 O 4 @RBP) was synthesized via coprecipitation followed by post-calcination and employed as a heterogeneous catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), thereby valorizing red brick demolition waste within a circular economy pathway and aligning the study with sustainability-oriented resource recovery. The effects of pH, PMS concentration, catalyst dosage, and coexisting substances on MB removal were systematically investigated. Complete MB removal was achieved within 30 min, and the apparent rate constant for the CoFe 2 O 4 @RBP/PMS system was 0.22 min −1 —slightly lower than that of CoFe 2 O 4 /PMS—while Co leaching was markedly reduced. The process performed well across a broad pH range (3.0–9.0). EPR and radical-quenching experiments indicate that SO 4 • − and HO• play a minor role, whereas the Co(II)–PMS complex is primarily responsible for MB degradation; accordingly, common coexisting species (SO 4 2− , Cl − , NO 3 − , humic acid) exert negligible effects. The catalyst also maintained strong durability across numerous repetitions. These results highlight a cost-efficient route to PMS activation by coupling CoFe 2 O 4 with construction waste-derived supports.

Keywords: red brick powder; CoF 4 e 2 O 4; peroxymonosulfate; nanocomposites; C&DW (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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