Enteromorpha prolifera-derived Fe₃C/C composite as advanced catalyst for hydroxyl radical generation and efficient...

Enteromorpha prolifera-derived Fe₃C/C composite has been fabricated through a facile one-step calcination method. As an advanced Fenton-like catalyst, the obtained Fe₃C/C composite displayed high catalytic reactivity to generate hydroxyl radicals. It is worth to note that the removal rate of methylene blue (MB) could effectively reach 100% in a wide pH range (pH = 2˜12) and the maximum degradation capacity of the composite is 660 mg/g. The stability and reusability of Fe₃C/C composite catalyst have also been tested, which could remain the removal rate at 100% after 6 consecutive runs. To illustrate the practical application possibility, the Fe₃C/C composite catalyst was used for degradation of papermaking and dyeing waste water, which could reduce the COD (chemical oxygen demand) value to less than 50. Additionally, the antibiotic norfloxacin (NOR) could also be catalytically removed by the Fe₃C/C composite and the possible removal pathway has also been proposed. The excellent removal performance of Fe₃C/C composite for MB and NOR may be attributed to the synergistic effect between porous carbon adsorption and Fe₃C catalysis. This study not only provides novel insights into recycling of waste biomass, but also paves a new way for the application of Fe₃C/C in dyes and antibiotics waste water treatment areas.