Degradation of organic pollutants by ZnMn2O4/organic acid system: Identification of active species

Nanoparticles of ZnMn2O4 ( ZMO) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and were used in the degradation of organic pollutants with the aid of several organic acids. The degradation efficiency of ZMO significantly increased in the presence of organic acids. The degradation rate of orange II was about 99.8% in 30 min by ZMO/formic acid system, and its quasi-first-order degradation kinetic rate constant was 0.4112 min(-1). The mechanism of degradation was hypothesized and verified by identification of active species. This study might lead to an advanced oxidation technology for the degradation of organic contaminants based on Mn(III) as the active species with strong oxidizing ability. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study synthesized ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles using a hydrothermal method for the degradation of organic pollutants with the aid of organic acids. The presence of organic acids significantly increased the degradation efficiency of ZMO, with a degradation rate of orange II reaching 99.8% in the ZMO/formic acid system. The research may lead to advanced oxidation technology for organic contaminants degradation based on Mn(III) as the active species with strong oxidizing ability.