Fabrication of novel magnetic MgCuFeO/SiO/CeO nanocomposite synthesized by a simple ultrasonic-assisted route for organic dye removal using Fenton-like reaction.

Fenton-like degradation of contaminants is considered to be a feasible method for eliminating environmental pollution. In this study, a novel ternary MgCuFeO/SiO/CeO nanocomposite was fabricated using a novel ultrasonic-assisted technique, and investigated as a Fenton-like catalyst for the removal of tartrazine (TRZ) dye. The nanocomposite was synthesized by first coating the SiO shell around the MgCuFeO core via a Stöber-like process to form MgCuFeO/SiO. Then, a simple ultrasonic-assisted route was used to synthesize MgCuFeO/SiO/CeO nanocomposite. This approach provides a simple and environmentally friendly way to produce this material without the use of any additional reductants or organic surfactants. The fabricated sample demonstrated excellent Fenton-like activity. The efficiency of MgCuFeO was significantly enhanced by the incorporation of SiO and CeO, and complete removal of TRZ (30 mg/L) was achieved within 120 min using 0.2 g/L of MgCuFeO/SiO/CeO. The scavenger test shows that the main active species is the strong oxidizing of hydroxyl radicals (HO). Consequently, the Fenton-like mechanism of MgCuFeO/SiO/CeO is explained based on the coexistence of Fe/Fe, Cu/Cu, and Ce/Ce redox couples. The removal efficiency of TRZ dye remained around 85% after the third recycling run, revealing that the nanocomposite could be employed to eliminate organic contaminants in water treatment. This research opened up a new avenue for expanding the practical application of new-generation Fenton-like catalysts.