Oxidation of phenol by persulfate activated by zero-valent iron-biochar composites

Zero-valent iron [Fe(0)]-biochar composites, namely, Fe(0)-included biochar and biochar-coated Fe(0), were synthesized their catalytic performance in the activation of persulfate for phenol degradation water was evaluated. In presence Fe(0)-biochar biochar-persulfate Fe(0)-persulfate systems showed higher removal than a system by 11.6% 20.7%, respectively. The difference between Fe(0) because high surface area oxygen-containing functional groups on coating latter. Differences properties these two composites may also be responsible different optimal concentrations doses required systems. Under conditions, aqueous phase exceeded 95% both composites. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis revealed that hydroxyl sulfate radicals formed composite-persulfate results this study suggest can enhance water.