Promoting Effect of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles on the Oxidation of Bisphenol B by Ferrate(VI)

Bisphenol B (BPB, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) butane), as a substitute for bisphenol A, has been widely detected in the environment and become a potential threat to environmental health. This work found that silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag₂O) could greatly promote the removal of BPB by ferrate (Fe(VI)). With the presence of 463 mg/L Ag₂O, the amount of Fe(VI) required for the complete removal of 10 μM BPB will be reduced by 70%. Meanwhile, the recyclability and stability of Ag₂O have been verified by recycling experiments. The characterization results and in situ electrochemical analyses showed that Ag(II) was produced from Ag(I) in the Fe(VI)-Ag₂O system, which has a higher electrode potential to oxidize BPB to enhance its removal. A total of 13 intermediates were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry, and three main reaction pathways were proposed, including oxygen transfer, bond breaking, and polymerization. Based on the toxicity assessment through the ECOSAR program, it is considered that the presence of Ag₂O reduced the toxicity of BPB oxidation intermediates to aquatic organisms. These results would deepen our understanding of the interaction between Fe(VI) and Ag₂O, which may provide an efficient and environmentally friendly method for water and wastewater treatment.