Tunable synthesis of cage-like Co3O4/N-C composite and nest-like Co3O4 for oxidative degradation of Bisphenol A

The ZIF-67 crystals synthesized in anhydrous ethanol were directly calcined in air to obtain cage-like Co3O4/nitrogen doped carbon (Co3O4/N-C) composite and nest-like Co3O4 aggregate, respectively, by mediating the calcination temperature in air. The structure of the calcined samples was investigated by X-ray diffraction, electron microscope, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and so on. It was suggested that the existence of N doped carbon in the cage-like Co3O4 was received at lower temperature. The two nanocrystals were employed as catalysts for the oxidative degradation of Bisphenol A (BPA) in the presence of persulfate and the results indicated that the cage-like Co3O4/N-C with a degradation rate of 0.053 min(-1), having a smaller particle size and synergistic effect of Co3O4 with nitrogen-doped carbon, demonstrated a higher persulfate activation and reusability for the degradation of BPA compared with the degradation rate (0.017 min(-1)) of nest-like Co3O4. The present study could provide new insights for the application of metal organic frameworks to synthesize composite nanomaterials for environmental purpose.