Enhanced dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol by recoverable Ni/Fe-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites

Ni/Fe-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were synthesized for dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). The effects of the Ni content in Ni/Fe-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites, solution pH, and common dissolved ions on the dechlorination efficiency were investigated, in addition to the reusability of the nanocomposites. The results showed that increasing content of Ni in Ni/Fe-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites, from 1 to 5wt.%, greatly increased the dechlorination efficiency; the Ni/Fe-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites had much higher dechlorination efficiency than bare Ni/Fe nanoparticles. Ni content of 5wt.% and initial pH below 6.0 was found to be the optimal conditions for the catalytic dechlorination of 2,4-DCP. Both 2,4-DCP and the intermediate product 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) were completely removed, and the concentration of the final product phenol was close to the theoretical phenol production from complete dechlorination of 20mg/L of 2,4-DCP, after 3hr reaction at initial pH value of 6.0, 3g/L Ni/Fe-Fe₃O₄, 5wt.% Ni content in the composite, and temperature of 22°C. 2,4-DCP dechlorination was enhanced by Cl^- and inhibited by NO₃^- and SO₄^2-. The nanocomposites were easily separated from the solution by an applied magnetic field. When the catalyst was reused, the removal efficiency of 2,4-DCP was almost 100% for the first seven uses, and gradually decreased to 75% in cycles 8-10. Therefore, the Ni/Fe-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites can be considered as a potentially effective tool for remediation of pollution by 2,4-DCP.