How does the FeCu/NC catalyst compare to monometallic catalysts (Fe/NC and Cu/NC) in the electro-Fenton process for lisinopril degradation?

Monometallic catalysts such as Fe/NC and Cu/NC have been used in electro-Fenton processes, but they often suffer from issues like metal leaching and limited stability, especially at near-neutral pH. The FeCu/NC catalyst, with its bimetallic core-shell structure, is designed to overcome these limitations by combining the benefits of both iron and copper.

The FeCu/NC catalyst outperforms both Fe/NC and Cu/NC catalysts in the electro-Fenton process for lisinopril degradation. It achieves complete degradation of LSN at a lower dosage (0.05 g L−1) and in a shorter time compared to Fe/NC and Cu/NC. The FeCu/NC catalyst maintains high stability and low metal leaching even after multiple cycles, demonstrating superior reusability. The presence of low-valence copper in FeCu/NC promotes the Fe(III)-to-Fe(II) conversion, which is crucial for the continuous activation of H2O2 and the generation of hydroxyl radicals. This synergistic effect enhances the overall efficiency of the electro-Fenton process.