Magnetic ball-milled FeS@biochar as persulfate activator for degradation of tetracycline

In this study, composite of iron sulfide and biochar (FeS@BC) was synthesized successfully via physical ball milling and applied to the oxidative removal of tetracycline (TC) in the presence of persulfate (PS). Characterization results showed that FeS@BC, which has a small particle size, can be synthesized at a preset FeS-BC mass ratio. In addition, the ball-milled FeS@BC showed sufficient ferromagnetism. The effects of pH, dosages of FeS@BC and PS, and co-existing anions on TC degradation were investigated. Our results showed that TC degradation efficiency was enhanced at low pH and high dosages of PS and FeS@BC. Under optimal conditions (pH = 3.6, [FeS@BC] = 0.3 g/L and [PS] = 10 mA4), a TC removal efficiency of 87.4% could be achieved after 30 min. Nevertheless, the TC removal rate was slightly inhibited by inorganic anions in the order of CO32- > Cl- > NO3-. Surface-bound Fe(II) and S(II) acted as electron donors in the activation process and generated SO4 and 'OH at the surface of FeS@BC. In addition, S(II) also participated in Fe(III) reduction. BC not only reduced the agglomeration of FeS, serving as a continuous source of effective Fe, but also acted as an electron shuttle and a suitable carbon-based adsorption material, facilitating fast electron transfer among PS, electron donors, and pollutants. Moreover, non-radical degradation processes might also exist in the FeS@BC/PS/TC system. The FeS@BC could be a promising effective activator for the remediation of other emerging organic contaminants.

Automated summary

In this study, a composite material of iron sulfide and biochar (FeS@BC) was synthesized using physical ball milling and applied for the oxidative removal of tetracycline in the presence of persulfate. The FeS@BC showed promising efficiency in degrading tetracycline, with biochar playing a facilitating role in the system.