Controlled carbonization of microplastics loaded nano zero-valent iron for catalytic degradation of tetracycline

Nano zero-valent iron loaded porous carbon derived from microplastics was designed as heterogeneous catalyst for degradation of persistent organic pollutants. Controlled carbonization of microplastics with molten salt was conducted to tune the morphology of carbon product. Controlled carbonization induces higher carbon yield (from 17.73% to 52.24%) and larger surface area (from 403.72 m(2)/g to 601.82 m(2)/g). The catalyst (Fe/MMPC) was characterized by Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope. Loading nano zero-valent iron onto porous carbon are verified in the catalyst. The process factors including Fe/MMPC dosage, H2O2, pH, anions, and temperature were studied to estimate the catalytic performance. Tetracycline degradation (81.8% within 10 min) is effectively obtained in the Fe/MMPC and H2O2 system. The apparent rate constant is 0.1311-0.2999 min(-1) under different temperature, and the activation energy of catalytic process is 22 kJ/mol. Pollutants including rhodamine B, p-nitro phenol, and butylxanthate are efficiently degraded in the catalytic system. The predominant species of catalytic reactions are hydroxyl radicals, which are mainly produced from H2O2 activation enhanced by zero-valent iron in Fe/MMPC. This work offers an innovative strategy for microplastic management and wastewater treatment.

Automated summary

Nano zero-valent iron loaded porous carbon derived from microplastics was designed as a heterogeneous catalyst for degradation of persistent organic pollutants. The catalyst exhibited high carbon yield and large surface area, leading to effective degradation of various pollutants. Hydroxyl radicals generated from the activation of H2O2 enhanced by zero-valent iron in Fe/MMPC were identified as the predominant species in the catalytic reactions.