Efficient catalytic degradation of trichloroethylene in persulfate system by Ca-Fe2O3 and Cu-Fe2O3 nanoparticles: Mechanistic insights

M-metal (Ca and Cu) doped Ca-Fe 2 O 3 and Cu-Fe 2 O 3 catalysts were synthesized using solvothermal method. The Ca-Fe 2 O 3 and Cu-Fe 2 O 3 catalysts were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy , SEM , TEM and XPS spectroscopy. The catalytic performance of 6%Ca-Fe 2 O 3 and 5%Cu-Fe 2 O 3 catalysts for trichloroethylene (TCE) removal were improved by M-metal doping leading to TCE removal at 99.8% in 1 h, which were three folds greater than by simple a- Fe 2 O 3 in the presence of persulfate (PS). Ca and Cu doping formed defective structure and created more oxygen vacancies thereby generating abundant active species during PS activation process. Further, the influence of catalysts’ dosage, oxidant dosage, solution pH, inorganic anions, and dissolved oxygen were evaluated. Complete removal of TCE was also obtained at weak alkaline pH condition. The greater specific surface area and the improved electrical conductivity was attributed to the huge generation of O 2 •– and 1 O 2 species which played major part in TCE removal. Scavenging tests and ESR spectroscopy confirmed the dominant role of O 2 •– and 1 O 2 in TCE degradation. The stability and viability of 6%Ca-Fe 2 O 3 and 5%Cu-Fe 2 O 3 catalysts were evaluated by repetition tests and in the presence of surfactants, TCE removal in real water matrix, and in the degradation of multi-pollutants.