Study on the Efficiency and Mechanism of a Novel Copper-Based Composite Material Activated by Supramolecular Self-Assembly for Degrading Reactive Red 3BS

To address the challenge of treating refractory organic dyes in textile wastewater, this study synthesized a novel copper-based composite material (designated MEL-Cu-6HNA) via a supramolecular self-assembly–pyrolysis pathway. Its core component consists of CuO/Cu2O(SO4), which was applied to efficiently degrade the Reactive Red 3BS dye within a sodium bicarbonate-activated hydrogen peroxide (BAP) system. This material was applied to degrade the Reactive Red 3BS dye using a sodium bicarbonate-activated hydrogen peroxide system. The morphology, crystal structure, and surface chemistry of the material were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was employed to identify reactive species generated during the reaction. The effects of dye concentration, H2O2 concentration, MEL-Cu-6HNA dosage, and coexisting substances in water on degradation efficiency were systematically investigated, with active species identified via EPR. This study marks the first application of the supramolecular self-assembled CuO/Cu2O(SO4)2 composite material MEL-Cu-6HNA, prepared via pyrolysis, in a sodium bicarbonate-activated hydrogen peroxide system. It achieved rapid and efficient decolorization of the recalcitrant Reactive Red 3BS dye. The three-dimensional sulfate framework and dual Cu2+ sites of the material significantly enhanced the degradation efficiency. MEL-Cu-6HNA achieved rapid and efficient decolorization of the recalcitrant Reactive Red 3BS in a sodium bicarbonate-activated hydrogen peroxide system. The material’s three-dimensional sulfate framework and dual Cu2+ sites significantly enhanced interfacial electron transfer and Cu2+/Cu+ cycling activation capacity. ·OH served as the primary reactive oxygen species (ROS), with SO42−, 1O2, and ·O2− contributing to sustained radical generation. This system achieved 95% decolorization within 30 min, demonstrating outstanding green treatment potential and providing a reliable theoretical basis and practical pathway for efficient, low-energy treatment of dyeing wastewater.