CuFeNi LDHs/magnetic biochar composite as peroxymonosulfate activator for removal of enrofloxacin

Abstract

In this study, cost-effective peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was used as an oxidant, and a Cu-Fe-Ni layered hydroxides/magnetic biochar composite (MBC/CuFeNi LDHs, MC-1 for short) was used as a catalyst to remove enrofloxacin (ENR), a high toxic pollutant identified in water. The layered structure and surface functional groups of the composite contributed to the degradation of ENR. More specific, 91.6% of ENR was degraded by MC-1&PMS system within 20 minutes. The superior performance of MC-1 was confirmed by characterization analysis and catalytic experiments. The catalytic system not only possessed good recycling performance, but also had excellent magnetic properties. In addition, the catalytic mechanism of the MC-1&PMS system was attributed primarily to the generation of hydroxyl (∙OH), but also the sulfate (SO4∙−), singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide radicals (∙O2−). Furthermore, a possible degradation pathway of ENR was proposed. This study provided a new insight for the design of heterogeneous carbon catalysts in advanced oxidation field.