Highly dispersed iron-doped biochar derived from sawdust for Fenton-like degradation of toxic dyes

Wastewater pollution is a global challenge in the field of environmental remediation. Functional biochar as Fenton-like catalyst receives growing attention for degradation of refractory organic contaminants in wastewater. This work provides a step-forward to develop effective functional biochar via revealing the mechanism of surface catalysis. The synthesis of iron-doped biochar (Fe@BC) was conducted through iron impregnation and carbonization of waste sawdust. Highly dispersed iron species on graphitic biochar is verified by multi-techniques including electron probe microanalyzer, transmission electron microscope, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrum and Raman spectrum. Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation above 92.7% is obtained within 140 min. Surface catalysis for generating hydroxyl radical is proved by iron determination, radical identification, and catalyst characterizations. Effective degradation of binary dyes is achieved. Fe@BC is an excellent catalyst with broad operation pH and highly stability. Promising application of the functional biochar provides a sustainable and ecofriendly strategy for wastewater treatment. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study develops effective functional biochar through the synthesis of iron-doped biochar, revealing the mechanism of surface catalysis for successful degradation of refractory organic contaminants in wastewater. The highly dispersed iron species on the graphitic biochar and the surface catalysis for generating hydroxyl radical have been verified, showcasing the potential of Fe@BC as an excellent catalyst with broad operation pH and high stability for wastewater treatment.