Fe_xCo_3-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 Fe_xCo_3-xO₄ nanocages by heating Prussian blue analogues Fe_yCo_1-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 Co^II on the surface of Fe_xCo_3-xO₄ nanocages was determined as the main factor for PMS activation. Results indicate that porous Fe_xCo_3-xO₄ nanocages are available to serve as alternative environmentally friendly catalysts for pollutants removal by activation of PMS.