Persulfate Activation by N-Doping Biochar from Peanut for Efficient Degradation of Phenol

In this research, peanut shell and urea were used as raw materials to successfully prepare N-doping biochar with a good ability to activate perdisulfate (PDS) to degrade phenol. The effects of carbonization time, co-pyrolysis temperature, co-pyrolysis time, and the doping ratio of biochar on the activation of persulfate were studied. The results showed that the efficiency of phenol degradation catalyzed by persulfate and biochar was 93%, and the total organic carbon (TOC) removal rate reached 66%. Besides, the phenol removal rate could also maintain 81% after four cycles. Moreover, the free radicals and non-free radicals was confirmed by Electron paramagnetic resonance (ESR) and capture experiments. The results of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations showed that the electron distribution of N-doping biochar became more uneven compared with the original biochar. This study provides a reference for the treatment of phenolic wastewater and may promote the understanding of N-doping biochar/persulfate degradation mechanism. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

N-doping biochar was successfully prepared using peanut shell and urea, exhibiting a good ability to activate persulfate for phenol degradation. The effects of carbonization time, co-pyrolysis temperature, co-pyrolysis time, and the doping ratio of biochar on persulfate activation were investigated. The results showed an efficiency of 93% for phenol degradation catalyzed by persulfate and biochar, with a total organic carbon removal rate of 66%. The study also demonstrated that the phenol removal rate remained at 81% even after four cycles. ESR and capture experiments confirmed the presence of both free radicals and non-free radicals, and DFT calculations showed an uneven electron distribution in N-doping biochar compared to the original biochar. This research provides insights for the treatment of phenolic wastewater and enhances our understanding of the N-doping biochar/persulfate degradation mechanism.