3D N-doped carbon derived from zeolitic imidazole framework as heterogeneous catalysts for decomposition of pulp and paper mill effluent: Optimization and kinetics study

Abstract

Three specific catalysts, namely ZIF-67 (zeolitic imidazolate framework-67), Co@NCF (Co@Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework), and 3D NCF (Three-Dimensional Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework), were prepared and studied for pulp and paper mill effluent degradation using heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Numerous characterizations, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and N₂ adsorption, were used to characterize the properties of three different catalysts. 3D NCF is remarkably effective at heterogeneous activation of PMS to generate sulfate radicals to degrade pulp and paper mill effluent (PPME) compared to the other as-prepared catalysts. The catalytic activity reveals a sequence of 3D NCF > Co@NCF > ZIF-67.3D NCF could degrade organic pollutants in 30 min at an initial COD concentration of 1146 mg/L of PPME, 0.2 g/L catalysts, 2 g/L PMS, and 50 °C. Consequently, it was observed that the degradation of PPME using 3D NCF followed first-order kinetics, with an activation energy of 40.54 kJ mol^-1. Overall, 3D NCF/PMS system reveals promising performance for PPME removal.

Keywords: Central composite design; Heterogeneous; Nitrogen-doped carbon; Pulp and paper mill effluent; Response surface methodology.