In this study, we demonstrate that the decomposition of dimethyl phthalate under microwave irradiation could be greatly enhanced over Fe@Fe2O3 nanowires supported on activated carbon (Fe@Fe2O3/AC). The great enhanced decomposition of dimethyl phthalate could be attributed to a unique microwave induced molecular oxygen activation process. Upon microwave irradiation, electrons could be transferred from activated carbon to zero-valent iron, and then react with molecular oxygen to form O-2(center dot-) and (OH)-O-center dot radicals for the decomposition of dimethyl phthalate. The deactivation and the regeneration of Fe@Fe2O3/AC catalyst were systematically studied. We also found that microwave heating could accelerate the electron transferring from AC to Fe@Fe2O3 to generate more reactive oxygen species for the decomposition of DMP than conventional oil bath heating. This novel molecular oxygen activation approach may find applications for wastewater treatment and drinking water purification. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.