Visible-light-induced photo-Fenton degradation of organic pollutants over K2Mn[Fe(CN)6]

The Fenton reaction is a powerful process that can degrade pollutants in wastewater. The reaction can be enhanced by UV/visible light irradiation. Herein, a photo-Fenton catalyst, K2Mn[Fe(CN)6], was synthesized by a grinding-washing method. The photo-Fenton activity of the synthesized catalyst was evaluated through the degradation of rhodamine B, reactive orange 16, and tetracycline HCl. In the presence of H2O2, the degradation efficiency of K2Mn[Fe(CN)6] was very poor in darkness but the degradation rates for pollutant models were significantly improved by visible light irradiation. Operating parameters such as catalyst loading and concentration of H2O2 also affected the degradation rate of the pollutant models. A trapping experiment confirmed center dot OH as the dominant reactive species in the respective photo-Fenton processes. The degradation of pollutant models was investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Based on the experimental results, K2Mn[Fe (CN)6] could be used in water treatment initiatives in industrial areas.

Automated summary

The Fenton reaction is effective for degrading pollutants in wastewater and can be improved by UV/visible light irradiation. A photo-Fenton catalyst, K2Mn[Fe(CN)6], was synthesized using a grinding-washing method and its activity was evaluated through the degradation of various pollutants. The catalyst showed poor degradation efficiency in darkness, but significant improvement under visible light irradiation. Parameters such as catalyst loading and H2O2 concentration also influenced the degradation rate. OH radicals were identified as the main reactive species in the photo-Fenton process. The catalyst could be valuable for water treatment in industrial areas.