Enhanced Fenton-like degradation of Rhodamine B and Congo red by benzene and K+ co-doped carbon nitride with in situ-generated H2O2

Background Fe 2+ /H 2 O 2 -based photo-Fenton process is often used in pollutions removal. But, Fe-species related low activity at neutral condition hinders their practical applications. Activation of in situ generated H 2 O 2 for Fenton-like degradation of pollutions through catalysts absences of Fe species is expected. Methods A strip-like benzene and K + co-doped g-C 3 N 4 (KBCN) was constructed by the thermal polymerization of assembly of melamine and 2-aminoterephthalic acid, then post-calcination in LiCl–KCl molten salt, which was then used to degrade Rhodamine B (RhB) and Congo red (CR) via in situ generated H 2 O 2 . Significant findings Benzene and K + co-doping were critical both in increasing charge separation and enhancing the H 2 O 2 production. The yield of H 2 O 2 for KBCN was 57.5 μM in pure water after 60 min irradiation. In the absence of Fe 2+ , the in situ generated H 2 O 2 could subsequently degrade RhB and CR with the formed ·OH. The apparent rate constants of KBCN for RhB and CR degradation were 0.0446 and 0.0497 min −1 , respectively. The advantages of degradation with in situ generated H 2 O 2 in the absence of Fe 2+ can provide a new prospective to the environmental friendly Fenton-like reaction.