Self-Assembled Hierarchical Cu(x)O@C(18)H(36)O(2) Nanoflakes for Superior Fenton-like Catalysis over a Wide Range of pH

[Image: see text] A novel copper-based catalyst supported by a long-chain hydrocarbon stearic acid (Cu(x)O@C(18)H(36)O(2)) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method and double replacement reactions. The as-prepared catalyst is shown as self-assembled hierarchical nanoflakes with an average size of ∼22 nm and a specific surface area of 51.4 m(2) g(–1). The catalyst has a good performance on adsorption as well as Fenton-like catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The catalyst (10 mg/L) showed an excellent adsorption efficiency toward RhB (20 mg/L) for pH ranging from 5 to 13, with the highest adsorption rate (99%) exhibited at pH 13. The Fenton-like catalytic degradation reaction of RhB (20 mg/L) by Cu(x)O@C(18)H(36)O(2) nanoflakes was effective over a wide range of pH of 3–11, and (•)OH radicals were generated via Cu(2)O/H(2)O(2) interactions in acidic conditions and CuO/H(2)O(2) reactions in a neutral solution. The highest efficiency catalytic degradation of RhB (20 mg/L) was 99.2% under acidic conditions (pH = 3, H(2)O(2) = 0.05 M), with an excellent reusability of 96% at the 6th cycle. The results demonstrated that the as-prepared Cu(x)O@C(18)H(36)O(2) nanoflakes are an efficient candidate for wastewater treatment, with excellent adsorption capacity and superior Fenton-like catalytic efficiency and stability for RhB.