Confining FeNi nanoparticles in biomass-derived carbon for effectively photo-Fenton catalytic reaction for polluted water treatment

Photo-Fenton catalytic degradation organic contaminant is considered as a promising approach to water purification and environmental remediation. The novel class of photo-Fenton heterogeneous composite with large specific surface area, abundant active sites, uniform and stable metal ions, and fast Fe2+/Fe3+ conversion rate is considered as potential catalysts. Herein, a highly efficient and sustainable photo-Fenton heterogeneous composite (FeNi@corncob-activated carbon (CCAC)) was prepared by confining FeNi nanoparticles in CCAC through a simple solvothermal and activated-carbonization method. The porous structure and a high specific surface area of CCAC would effectively disperse FeNi nanoparticles, causing a significantly enhanced photo-Fenton catalytic performance. The RhB degradation rate of FeNi@CCAC was 2.3 times higher than that of FeNi. After five cycles, RhB degradation rate of FeNi@CCAC was barely decreased, confirming that FeNi@CCAC had high cyclability and reproducibility. Moreover, the reaction mechanism was analyzed in-depth via photoelectrochemical and electron spin resonance characterization. The outstanding results can be attributed to the contribution of the active species center dot OH, center dot O-2(-), and h(+) in photo-Fenton degradation of RhB. Notably, FeNi@CCAC also has excellent photo-Fenton catalytic performance in sewage. This work illustrates a simple and effective method to improve the photo-Fenton catalytic reaction.

Automated summary

In this study, a highly efficient and sustainable photo-Fenton heterogeneous composite was prepared, which showed significantly enhanced degradation rate of organic contaminants. The composite exhibited high cyclability and reproducibility, and demonstrated excellent catalytic performance in sewage treatment. The mechanism analysis revealed the contribution of active species in the photo-Fenton degradation process.