Enhanced catalytic performance of CuFeS2 chalcogenides for activation of persulfate towards decolorization and disinfection of pollutant in water.

This study focuses on the synthesis and properties of CuFeS 2 chalcogenides, which were prepared using a heat precipitation method. The effect of synthetic temperature on the catalytic activity of CuFeS 2 was also investigated. The study found that CuFeS 2 prepared at 250 °C (CuFeS 2 –250) had higher crystallinity, a higher concentration of Fe2+ on its surface, and a higher catalytic activity in the decolorization of rhodamine B (RhB) using a Fenton-like oxidation process with Na 2 S 2 O 8 (99.0% RhB decolorization efficiency within 7 min). The iron sites of CuFeS 2 were found to be the catalytic active sites through density-functional theory calculations. The study also determined that •SO 4 − and •OH radicals were the reactive species responsible for the decolorization of RhB. In addition, the study demonstrated that CuFeS 2 –250 had the ability to decolorize different dyestuffs (methylene blue, methyl orange, and acridine orange) in environmental water samples (river and seawater). Furthermore, CuFeS 2 –250/Na 2 S 2 O 8 possessed excellent antibacterial activity (>90.4% eradication rate within 120 min) against pathogen (Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus). In conclusion, this study highlights the enhanced catalytic activity of CuFeS 2 –250 and its potential for industrial applications related to the decomposition of organics from wastewater. Enhanced catalytic of CuFeS 2 -250/Na 2 S 2 O 8 for decolorization and disinfection of organics in wastewater. [Display omitted] • CuFeS 2 was prepared by a heat precipitation method. • The iron site was the catalytic active site. • Decolorization efficiency was 99.0%. • Excellent recycling runs and stability. • Antibacterial activity of 90.4% was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]