Selective singlet oxygen generation by microporous biochar for peracetic acid activation

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Biochar properties are influenced by pyrolysis conditions.
• Effective catalysts are needed for pollutant degradation.
• Peracetic acid activation is a key process in advanced oxidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of pyrolysis temperature and atmosphere on biochar properties.
• To develop a highly active biochar catalyst for peracetic acid activation.
• To identify the active sites responsible for catalytic performance.

Main Methods:

• Pyrolysis of biomass under different conditions (temperature and atmosphere).
• Characterization of biochar physiochemical properties (e.g., surface area, functional groups).
• Testing biochar catalytic activity for peracetic acid activation and phenol degradation.

Main Results:

• Ammonia-assisted pyrolysis at 900°C (NH3-C-900) yielded biochar with superior catalytic activity.
• NH3-C-900 selectively generated singlet oxygen for rapid phenol degradation.
• Micropores positively impacted performance, with C=O groups identified as key active sites.

Conclusions:

• Pyrolysis conditions significantly control biochar's catalytic functionality.
• NH3-C-900 is an effective catalyst for activating peracetic acid via singlet oxygen generation.
• Surface C=O groups are crucial for catalytic activity, while C-O and COOH groups are detrimental.