Effect of Co addition on catalytic activity of FePCCu amorphous alloy for methylene blue degradation

Abstract

The effect of Co addition on the decolorization performance of the FePCCu amorphous alloy for degrading methylene blue (MB) is investigated. It is found that 100 mg L⁻¹ MB solution can be rapidly degraded within 9 min via 0.5 g L⁻¹ FeCoPCCu ribbon dosage and 1 mM H₂O₂ at 298 K at pH = 3. The amorphous state induced by the Co addition, nano-whisker and micro-crack structures formed during the decolorization process and local galvanic couples between bonds of metal–metalloid elements accelerate the electron and mass transfer of FeCoPCCu amorphous ribbons and result in their good catalytic ability. The catalytic performance of alloys with different Co additions is highly related to their corrosion resistance. Good environmental applicability and reusability of the alloys are also explored. The present work reveals that appropriate Co addition has a significant influence on the catalytic activity of Fe-based amorphous alloys, and this alloy is proposed as a new catalyst for sewage treatment.