Preparation of MWCNT/CoMnO nanocomposite for effectual degradation of picric acid via peroxymonosulfate activation.

In recent years, using nanomaterials based on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) through the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) has attracted more attention to the degradation of organic pollutants. This research presented a new route for the synthesis of MWCNT/CoMnO nanocomposite for the degradation of picric acid using advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Firstly, CoMnO nanoparticles were prepared and then loaded on MWCNT using ultrasonic waves. The results of various analyzes confirmed the successful loading of nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes. As the degradation process proceeds through oxidation processes, the high electronic conductivity of MWCNT and the active sites of Mn and Co in the nanocomposite play an essential role in activating PMS to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). An investigation of the reaction mechanism in different conditions showed that the highest speed of picric acid decomposition in the presence of nanocomposite (98%) was in 47 min. However, the scavenger test showed that HO and SO radicals are more important in the degradation process. Meanwhile, the results showed that removing picric acid using MWCNT/CoMnO was more effective than CoMnO alone and confirmed the interaction effect of MWCNT nanotubes with ABO nanocatalyst.