Synthesis of mace-like CuO@MnO2 composite nanorods with superior fenton-like catalytic activity

Using MnOOH nanorods as template, dopamine (DA) as a linker, and copper acetate as copper source, a novel kind of CuO@PDA@MnOOH composite nanorods was prepared by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. After the removal of PDA by high temperature calcination, a mace-like CuO@MnO₂ nanorods was formed, in which CuO nanoparticles distributed on the surface of the MnO₂. The unique structure endows the mace-like CuO@MnO₂ composite nanorods with superior broad-spectrum Fenton-like catalytic activity for the degradation of the ECs under acidic and neutral conditions, and the highest removal rate of tetracycline hydrochloride and rhodamine B can exceed 90 % within 30 min and 60 min, respectively. Furthermore, the mace-like CuO@MnO₂ composite nanorods presented good chemical stability along with anti-interference ability. After eight cycles, the catalytic activity still remained above 60 %. More importantly, in the treatment of actual industrial wastewater, the mace-like CuO@MnO₂ composite nanorods also showed good catalytic ability.