A Highly Stable Metal–Organic Framework-Engineered FeS2/C Nanocatalyst for Heterogeneous Electro-Fenton Treatment: Validation in Wastewater at Mild pH

• Published in: Environmental science & technology 2020-04, Vol.54 (7), p.4664-4674
• Main Authors: Ye, Zhihong, Padilla, José A, Xuriguera, Elena, Beltran, José L, Alcaide, Francisco, Brillas, Enric, Sirés, Ignasi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acidification; Antidepressants; Carbon; Catalysts; Catalytic activity; Diffusion; Diffusion cells; Emission analysis; Emission spectroscopy; Excitation spectra; Factor analysis; Fluorescence; Fluoxetine; Iron; Iron sulfides; Mass transport; Metal-organic frameworks; Mineralization; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Oxidants; Oxidizing agents; pH effects; Pollutants; Pyrite; Spacecraft components; Spectroscopy; Sulfidation; Toxicity; Wastewater treatment; Water pollution; Water treatment; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b07604

Herein, the novel application of FeS2/C nanocomposite as a highly active, stable, and recyclable catalyst for heterogeneous electro-Fenton (EF) treatment of organic water pollutants is discussed. The simultaneous carbonization and sulfidation of an iron-based metal–organic framework (MOF) yielded well-dispersed pyrite FeS2 nanoparticles of ∼100 nm diameter linked to porous carbon. XPS analysis revealed the presence of doping N atoms. EF treatment with an IrO2/air-diffusion cell ensured the complete removal of the antidepressant fluoxetine spiked into urban wastewater at near-neutral pH after 60 min at 50 mA with 0.4 g L–1 catalyst as optimum dose. The clear enhancement of catalytic activity and stability of the material as compared to natural pyrite was evidenced, as deduced from its characterization before and after use. The final solutions contained