One-step synthesis of mixed valence FeOX nanoparticles supported on biomass activated carbon for degradation of bisphenol A by activating peroxydisulfate

A novel FeO X nanoparticles supported biomass activated carbon (BAC/FeO X ) composite was prepared through one-pot calcination method with FeCl 3 and cherry stone powder as precursors. The carbonization of biomass, reduction of Fe 3+ , and FeO X anchored on carbon substrate could be achieved at the same time. Characterization with transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope indicated that nanoscale FeO X distributed uniformly on carbon substrate, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high resolution TEM characterization proved that the loaded FeO X was high crystallinity of Fe 3 O 4 and α-Fe 0 . Bisphenol A (BPA) was used to investigate the degradation performance of BAC/FeO X activating peroxydisulfate (PDS). The ratio of raw materials affected degradation efficiency of BPA intensively through the content, valence state, and dispersibility of FeO X nanoparticles, and the optimal material could degrade 20 mg/L BPA completely in 5 min at 0.1 g/L in the presence of 1 g/L PDS. Free radical determination and quenching experiments indicated that both SO 4 •− and •OH were involved in BPA degradation. The degradation pathway was proposed based on the identification of degradation intermediates. The facile synthesis method, high activation efficiency, and low-cost and environmental friendly raw materials made the BAC/FeO X -50 an alternative catalyst for organic pollution water treatment .