Degradation of Methylene Blue by a Photo-Fenton System Based on Copper Ferrite Catalyst and Ascorbic Acid

Authors

  • Adika Nuzula Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Education, Universitas Negeri Padang, Jl. Prof, Dr. Hamka, Padang, Indonesia
  • Indang Dewata Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Education, Universitas Negeri Padang, Jl. Prof, Dr. Hamka, Padang, Indonesia
  • Desy Kurniawati Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Education, Universitas Negeri Padang, Jl. Prof, Dr. Hamka, Padang, Indonesia
  • Jon Effendi Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Education, Universitas Negeri Padang, Jl. Prof, Dr. Hamka, Padang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33394/hjkk.v14i2.20202

Keywords:

Advanced Oxidation Process, Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton, pH Optimization, Hydroxyl Radicals

Abstract

Water pollution caused by methylene blue is difficult to treat due to its stability and resistance to conventional methods. This study aims to evaluate the performance of a CuFe₂O₄-based photo-fenton system enhanced with ascorbic acid. The catalyst was synthesized using the sol–gel method and characterized by FTIR and XRD. Degradation experiments were carried out under UV irradiation (5 W) by varying pH (1–9) and H₂O₂ concentration (1.5–15 mmol/L). Methylene blue concentration was measured using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 664 nm. The results show that degradation efficiency reached 98.48% at pH 3 and 10 mmol/L H₂O₂. This condition promotes efficient Fe²⁺ activation of H₂O₂ to generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH), while ascorbic acid accelerates the reduction of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺, sustaining the redox cycle and increasing radical availability. These findings demonstrate that the system is effective and has strong potential for wastewater treatment.

References

Ali, S., Hemeda, O. M., Elhussiny, F., Mahgoub, M. H., Mohammed, S., & Elmekawy, A. (2026). Structural, optical, and magnetic characterization of Cu-Zn-Ni spinel ferrite nanoparticles with antibacterial potential. Scientific Reports, 16(1), 3053. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-34792-9

Anceila, D., Nirmala, G. F., Sagayaraj, P., & Joseph, V. (2008). Study on optical, magnetic and structural Properties of CuFe2O4 by Co-precipitation technique. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 9001. www.irjet.net

Eker, F., Duman, H., Akdaşçi, E., Bolat, E., Sarıtaş, S., Karav, S., & Witkowska, A. M. (2024). A Comprehensive Review of Nanoparticles: From Classification to Application and Toxicity. In Molecules (Vol. 29, Number 15). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153482

Endas, L., Akpah, B. C., Anaegbu, J., & Kure, A. (2026). Unveiling the effectiveness of the photo-Fenton process for the mineralization of textile dyes: A kinetic and thermodynamic study. Science World Journal, 20(4), 1752–1758. https://doi.org/10.4314/swj.v20i4.58

Endas, L., Kure, A., & Anaegbu, J. O. (2025). Optimization of Photo-Fenton process for the degradation of basic red 9: Kinetic analysis, intermediate identification, and toxicity implications. Science World Journal, 20(4), 1759–1765. https://doi.org/10.4314/swj.v20i4.59

Feng, J., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Ascorbic acid enhanced CuFe2O4-catalyzed heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like degradation of phenol. Journa of Enviromental Chemical Engineering, 11(5). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2023.111009

Gallo-Cordova, A., Nuñez, N., Díaz-Ufano, C., Veintemillas-Verdaguer, S., Soler-Morala, J., Palomares, F. J., Lima, E., Winkler, E. L., & Morales, M. del P. (2025). Insights into the formation of free radicals using metal ferrite nanocatalysts (MFe2O4, M = Fe, Mn, Zn, Co) prepared by a highly reproducible microwave-assisted polyol method. Nanoscale, 17(33), 19182–19195. https://doi.org/10.1039/d5nr02101d

Gamboa-Savoy, F., Onfray, C., Hassan, N., Salazar, C., & Thiam, A. (2023). Enhanced catalytic reduction of emerging contaminant by using magnetic CuFe2O4@MIL-100(Fe) in Fenton-based electrochemical processes. Chemosphere, 337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139231

Giwa, A. R. A., Bello, I. A., Olabintan, A. B., Bello, O. S., & Saleh, T. A. (2020). Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of fenton oxidative decolorization of methylene blue. Heliyon, 6(8). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04454

Horta, I., Neto, N. F. A., Kito, L. T., Miranda, F., Thim, G., Pereira, A. L. de J., & Pessoa, R. (2025). Ultra-Trace Monitoring of Methylene Blue Degradation via AgNW-Based SERS: Toward Sustainable Advanced Oxidation Water Treatment. Sustainability (Switzerland), 17(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104448

Hou, X., Huang, X., Ai, Z., Zhao, J., & Zhang, L. (2016). Ascorbic acid/Fe@Fe2O3: A highly efficient combined Fenton reagent to remove organic contaminants. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 310, 170178. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.01.020

Joudeh, N., & Linke, D. (2022). Nanoparticle classification, physicochemical properties, characterization, and applications: a comprehensive review for biologists. In Journal of Nanobiotechnology (Vol. 20, Number 1). BioMed Central Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-022-01477-8

Khan, I., Saeed, K., Zekker, I., Zhang, B., Hendi, A. H., Ahmad, A., Ahmad, S., Zada, N., Ahmad, H., Shah, L. A., Shah, T., & Khan, I. (2022). Review on Methylene Blue: Its Properties, Uses, Toxicity and Photodegradation. In Water (Switzerland) (Vol. 14, Number 2). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14020242

Lanjwani, M. F., Tuzen, M., Khuhawar, M. Y., & Saleh, T. A. (2024). Trends in photocatalytic degradation of organic dye pollutants using nanoparticles: A review. Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 159, 111613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2023.111613

Li, L., Guo, J., Zheng, K., Heng, H., Zhang, Y., Xie, C., Yin, M., & Zhou, B. (2024). MoS2-mediated active hydrogen modulation to boost Fe2+ regeneration in solar-driven electro-Fenton process. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134274

Liu, J., Du, Y., Sun, W., Chang, Q., & Peng, C. (2019). Preparation of new adsorbent-supported Fe/Ni particles for the removal of crystal violet and methylene blue by a heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction. RSC Advances, 9(39), 22513–22522. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9ra04710g

Noroozi, R., Gholami, M., Farzadkia, M., & Jafari, A. J. (2020). Catalytic potential of CuFe 2 O 4 /GO for activation of peroxymonosulfate in metronidazole degradation: study of mechanisms. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40201-020-00518-4/Published

Oliveira, T. P., Rodrigues, S. F., Marques, G. N., Costa, R. C. V., Lopes, C. G. G., Aranas, C., Rojas, A., Rangel, J. H. G., & Oliveira, M. M. (2022). Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Investigation of CuFe2O4 for the Degradation of Dyes under Visible Light. Catalysts, 12(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12060623

Parida, V. K., Singh, N., Priyadarshini, M., Kumari, P., Datta, D., & Tambi, A. (2025). Insights into the synthetic dye contamination in textile wastewater: Impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health, and eco-friendly remediation strategies for environmental sustainability. In Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry (Vol. 150, pp. 247–264). Korean Society of Industrial Engineering Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2025.04.019

Riyanti, F., Hariani, P. L., Hasanudin, H., Rachmat, A., & Purwaningrum, W. (2024). Optimization Photodegradation of Methylene Blue Dye using Bentonite/PDA/Fe3O4@CuO Composite by Response Surface Methodology. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering and Catalysis, 19(2), 252–264. https://doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.20132

Rusevova Crincoli, K., & Huling, S. G. (2020). Hydroxyl radical scavenging by solid mineral surfaces in oxidative treatment systems: Rate constants and implications. Water Research, 169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.115240

Saoud, T., Benramache, S., & Diha, A. (2023). The Effect of Co and Cu CO-Doping ZnO Thin Film On Structural and Optical Properties. Chemistry, Didactics, Ecology, Metrology, 28(1–2), 171–178. https://doi.org/10.2478/cdem-2023-0010

Sebah, I., & Belmouden, M. (2025). Copper ferrite-graphene oxide catalyst for enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation and pollutant degradation. Nanoscale Advances, 7(18), 5646–5657. https://doi.org/10.1039/d5na00409h

Selima, S. S., Khairy, M., & Mousa, M. A. (2019). Comparative studies on the impact of synthesis methods on structural, optical, magnetic and catalytic properties of CuFe2O4. Ceramics International, 45(5), 6535–6540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2018.12.146

Soufi, A., Hajjaoui, H., Elmoubarki, R., Abdennouri, M., Qourzal, S., & Barka, N. (2022). Heterogeneous Fenton-like degradation of tartrazine using CuFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel combustion. Applied Surface Science Advances, 9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsadv.2022.100251

Sugeng, E. J., de Cock, M., Leonards, P. E. G., & van de Bor, M. (2020). Toddler behavior, the home environment, and flame retardant exposure. Chemosphere, 252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126588

Wang, P., Zhou, X., Zhang, Y., Yang, L., Zhi, K., Wang, L., Zhang, L., & Guo, X. (2017). Unveiling the mechanism of electron transfer facilitated regeneration of active Fe2+ by nano-dispersed iron/graphene catalyst for phenol removal. RSC Advances, 7(43), 26983–26991. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7ra04312k

Wijayanti, K. A., Hakika, D. C., Setyawan, M., Suhendra, Amal, I., & Biddinika, M. K. (2024). Recalcitrant Industrial Wastewater Treatment Using Fenton and Photo-Fenton Oxidation: A Comparison Study. Indonesian Journal of Environmental Management and Sustainability, 8(3), 100–109. https://doi.org/10.26554/ijems.2024.8.3.100-109

Yadav, R. S., Kuritka, I., Vilcakova, J., & Havlica, J. (2017). Structural, dielectric, electrical and magnetic properties of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized by honey mediated sol–gel combustion method and annealing effect. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics , 28(8). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-016-6305-4

Zulfani, M. R., & Dewajani, H. (2023). Pengaruh Penambahan Chelating Agents (Asam Askorbat, Hidroksilamina, dan Asam Oksalat) dalam Fenton-Like Reaction pada Proses Degradasi Metilen Biru. DISTILAT: Jurnal Teknologi Separasi, 9(3), 286–294. https://doi.org/10.33795/distilat.v9i3.3759

Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

Nuzula, A., Dewata, I., Kurniawati, D., & Effendi, J. (2026). Degradation of Methylene Blue by a Photo-Fenton System Based on Copper Ferrite Catalyst and Ascorbic Acid. Hydrogen: Jurnal Kependidikan Kimia, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.33394/hjkk.v14i2.20202

Issue

Section

Articles