Citrate iron complex induced dramatically enhanced oxidation of atrazine with bimetallic Bi/Fe0: Reactivity, oxidation and mechanism

The oxidative degradation of atrazine (ATR) using bimetallic Bi/Fe0 nanoparticles cooperated with citric acid (CA) and sodium citrate (NaCA) without extra addition of H2O2 or another oxidant was conducted. Almost 73% of ATR was removed in Bi/Fe0+NaCA + CA buffer system in 3 h, and the bimetallic Bi/Fe0 performs high stability and long service life in the buffer system according to the results of cyclic degradation experiments. The citrate iron complex of Fe(II)[Cit]- played the key role for the degradation process since it could quickly react with the generated H2O2 to produce free radicals in the Bi/Fe0+NaCA + CA system, which broadened the applicable pH range of the traditional Fenton reaction and promoted the oxidative degradation process of ATR. The possible degradation pathways of ATR were also investigated. In the Bi/Fe0+NaCA + CA buffer system, twelve kinds of ATR intermediate products were detected, of which the main products were dechlorination products and alkyl oxidative products. Due to the pH controllable of the Bi/Fe0+NaCA + CA system, it could reduce the acidity impact on the environment and makes the additional impact on the environment lower. Therefore, this work provides a new strategy for the degradation of ATR.

Automated summary

The study showed that bimetallic Bi/Fe0 nanoparticles cooperated with citric acid and sodium citrate can efficiently remove atrazine, with high stability and long service life. The citrate iron complex plays a key role in the degradation process by broadening the applicable pH range of the traditional Fenton reaction.