Fe@C core-shell and Fe@C yolk-shell particles for effective removal of 4-chlorophenol

Fe@C core-shell particles were successfully synthesized by coating Fe2O3 particles with resorcinol-formaldehyde resins (RFs) and then calcining to make the RFs carbonize, and at the same time to reduce the core to Fe. Furthermore, we designed and synthesized Fe@C yolk-shell particles to increase the number of active sites on the Fe surface. Compared with pure Fe material, the Fe in these particles possesses a high surface area without serious aggregation. Tests to remove 4-chlorophenol suggest that both these kinds of particles can degrade chlorophenol rapidly and thoroughly based on a Fenton-like reaction. Using Fe@C yolk-shell particles, the chlorophenol can be degraded to a concentration below the HPLC detection limit (<0.5 mg l(-1)) within 12 minutes. The magnetic properties and good stability of Fe@C endow it with promising potential for water treatment.