Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation and peroxone-mediated removal of Acetaminophen using natural and modified hematite-rich soil, as efficient and environmentally friendly catalysts

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Environmental, 2022-02, Vol.301, p.120786, Article 120786
• Main Authors: Kohantorabi, Mona, Moussavi, Gholamreza, Oulego, Paula, Giannakis, Stefanos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetaminophen; Acetaminophen oxidation; Analgesics; Catalysts; Catalytic activity; Catalytic ozonation; Decomposition; Degradation; Ferric oxide; Hematite; Hydroxyl radicals; Mineralization; Natural iron; Oxidation; Ozonation; Ozone; Peroxone; Pollutants; Soils; Surface properties; ɑ-Fe2O3 structure
• ISSN: 0926-3373; 1873-3883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2021.120786

Hormuz Red Soil (HRS), as a naturally hematite-containing mineral was used to enhance the catalytic ozonation process (COP) of Acetaminophen (ACT) elimination. The surface properties and particle size of HRS mainly composed of ɑ-Fe2O3 were modified via calcination (C-HRS) demonstrating notable catalytic activity. The catalytic activity of C-HRS was evaluated for the ozonation of ACT under various conditions. Complete degradation of 50 mg L−1 ACT was obtained within 10 min at natural conditions with 1.0 g L−1 of C-HRS which was > 10 times faster than single ozonation process (SOP). The C-HRS accelerated the decomposition of ozone to hydroxyl radical on the catalyst’s surface. Moreover, the C-HRS efficiently catalyzed the peroxone reaction for the degradation and mineralization of ACT. The C-HRS exhibited high stability and reusability in consecutive catalytic cycles. This work offers a new, effective, and low-cost catalyst for accelerating of ozone decomposition that can be used in oxidation of pollutants. [Display omitted] •New naturally hematite-containing soil (C-HRS) was employed as an environmentally-benign catalyst.•C-HRS efficiently catalyzed the ozone and peroxone reactions for Acetaminophen removal.•The heterogeneous catalytic processes proceeded via surface-bound HO•.•C-HRS was highly active, stable and unaffected by aqueous matrix effects.