Fast and complete degradation of norfloxacin by using Fe/Fe3C@NG as a bifunctional catalyst for activating peroxymonosulfate.

A composite of Fe/Fe 3 C and N-doped graphitic carbon (Fe/Fe 3 C@NG) was prepared and used as a catalyst for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) toward the oxidative degradation of Norfloxacin (NOF). It was observed that Fe/Fe 3 C@NG behaved as a bifunctional material, showing both good adsorption ability and catalytic activity. The maximum adsorption capacity of Fe/Fe 3 C@NG for NOF was evaluated as 0.13 mmol g −1 . Under given conditions (NOF concentration 0.1 mmol L −1 , catalyst load 0.1 g L −1 and PMS addition 1 mmol L −1 ), the degradation of NOF was almost completely achieved in 20 min with a degradation rate constant of 0.22 min −1 . A non-radical mechanism was proposed for the activation of PMS by Fe/Fe 3 C@NG by the scavenging test, EPR and chronoamperometry analysis. The fast and complete degradation of NOF was achieved via a rapid electron transform, in which both PMS and NOF molecular were adsorbed on the surface of Fe/Fe 3 C@NG and PMS was activated by obtaining electrons from NOF to oxidize NOF. The present study provides a green bifunctional catalyst for the oxidative removal of organic pollutants in various environmental media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]