FexCo3-xO4 nanocages derived from nanoscale metal-organic frameworks for removal of bisphenol A by activation of peroxymonosulfate

Here we report a facile strategy to synthesize porous FexCo3-xO4 nanocages by heating Prussian blue analogues FeyCo1-y[Co(CN)6]0.67nH2O nanospheres with tunable size and morphology. The iron doping amount had significant influence on the final morphology and the most uniform nanocages were obtained from x=0.8. The catalytic performance of the nanocages was thoroughly evaluated by activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for removal of bisphenol A (BPA) in water. The influence of different process parameter on the BPA degradation efficiency was examined and the catalytic stability was tested. The BPA degradation pathway was proposed based on GC-MS and LC-MS results. The involved radicals were identified through radical scavenging experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Mössbauer and XPS techniques were applied to illustrate the catalytic mechanism and B-site CoII on the surface of FexCo3-xO4 nanocages was determined as the main factor for PMS activation. Results indicate that porous FexCo3-xO4 nanocages are available to serve as alternative environmentally friendly catalysts for pollutants removal by activation of PMS.