Duan, Kaifeng, Zhao, Xin, Chen, Xi, Fu, Jiangpeng, Li, Qingwei, Zhang, Xiao, Zheng, Chuanjun, Xin, Ziming, Fu, Zhongtian, Han, Xiaoyu, Wang, Yang, and Yang, Cuixia
Butyl xanthate (BX) is a commonly used sulfide collector in the froth flotation process. However, its potential toxicity would cause environmental problems if not handled properly or in case of leaks. Therefore, it is important to establish efficient methods for detecting and removing BX from mineral processing wastewater. In this study, a new nanozyme named Ag@Fe 3 O 4 -MnO 2 was synthesized using a two-step hydrothermal process. This nanozyme, exhibiting both oxidase and catalase-mimicking properties, was successfully used in a multi-color change detection method for BX. Additionally, Ag@Fe 3 O 4 -MnO 2 activated persulfate (PS) to break down BX. Under the optimal conditions of 2.0 mg/L catalyst dosage, 2.0 mM PS, and initial pH 7.82, more than 97.17 % of BX was degraded in the simulant wastewater in 30 min. Overall, this study offers valuable new insights into the detection and removal of BX, expanding the potential application of nanozymes in the environmental field. [Display omitted] • Recyclable nanozyme of Ag@Fe 3 O 4 -MnO 2 with oxidase- and catalase-mimicking activities is generated. • Multi-color colorimetric detection and degradation of butyl xanthate (BX) are achieved for the first time with a nanozyme. • The light was shed on the mechanism of nanozyme-catalyzed persulfate activation. • The transfer of electrons in Ag@Fe 3 O 4 -MnO 2 promoted the activation of persulfate. • A new insight for the detection and removal of BX is provided to overcome the traditional limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]