Iron-copper oxide nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide for the degradation of cyclophosphamide by photo-Fenton reaction

Bimetallic (Fe-Cu) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/FeCu catalysts at 0.2% wt. were developed by a co-precipitation method, modifying the Fe-Cu molar proportions (i.e., Fe40Cu60, Fe20Cu80 Fe10Cu90) tested for degradation of cytostatic drug, cyclophosphamide (CP) in aqueous solution using photo-Fenton process (UV-Vis). Physicochemical characterization was carried out complementary techniques (gas adsorption, SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS) results correlated with catalytic performance. The effect pH on contaminant catalyst stability (metal leaching) studied. point synergetic rGO/FeCu comparison to monometallic or without carbonaceous material. best performance achieved rGO/Fe10Cu90 achieving 82% CP natural regarding 87% obtained under acid conditions (pH 3). This fact avoids usual acidification solutions during Fenton-like processes prevent metal leaching, increasing catalysts, as demonstrated after consecutive cycles, maintaining efficiency above 75%. Cytotoxicity tests certificated low toxicity by-product derived from process.