Recent Developments of Mn3O4/p(DCPD)HIPE Nanocomposites as Catalysts in Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for Efficient Oxidative Degradation of Methylene Blue

Widespread application of any catalyst requires rigorous testing in the reaction of interest. Hydrogen-peroxide-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are attracting growing attention because they oxidize pollutants rapidly, completely, and with minimal formation of by-products. Here we report the performance of a porous M3O4–poly(dicyclopentadiene) nanocomposite (Mn3O4/p(DCPD)) as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst for the decolorization of methylene blue (MB), a dye that is toxic to humans and aquatic ecosystems. The influence of key operating variables—reaction time, initial dye concentration, H2O2 dosage, temperature, and catalyst loading—was examined systematically. Under the optimum conditions (0.25 g/L catalyst, 20 mg/L MB, ambient temperature), the dye was fully degraded within 120 min. The catalyst is easily processed, separated, and reused, making Mn3O4/p(DCPD) a promising candidate for sustainable AOP treatment of dye-contaminated water.