Life time enhanced Fenton-like catalyst by dispersing iron oxides in activated carbon: Preparation and reactivation through carbothermal reaction

Abstract

Heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst prepared by dispersing iron oxides in activated carbon (FeOx@AC) has frequently been assembled for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). An intriguing but barely emphasized property of FeOx@AC is that it can be easily reactivated through a simple carbothermal reaction. Importantly, by this manner the life time of FeOx@AC could be effectively enhanced. We herein reported the synthesis of FeOx@ACs hydrothermally with assistance of several commercially available surfactants and their performance in degrading real dye wastewater were evaluated. In general, as-synthesized FeOx@ACs were noted to equip high Fe content. Deposited FeOx reduced the fraction of micropores but simultaneously introduced additional mesopores and macropores. Elevated magnetite content was observed in FeOx@AC equipped with high fraction of micropore and mesopore and macropore but fast dye degradation occurred at FeOx@AC possessing low fraction of micropore along with low mesopores and macropores. Reactivation via carbothermal reaction redistributed the deposited FeOx by increasing micropores while decreasing mesopores and macropores. Importantly, well dispersed FeOx synthesized with the assistance of surfactants exhibited high resistance to the corrosion in the degradation process. For the perspective of circular economy, deep understanding the material chemistry of FeOx@AC would be of particularly interest for further enhancing its life time.

Keywords: Activated carbon; Carbothermal reaction; Circular economy; Fenton reagent.