From Starch to Magnetic Porous Fe2O3@C: A Promising Peroxidase-Mimicking Heterogeneous Biocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Dye

Researchers remain attracted to the development of more efficient and cost-effective materials for the degradation of organic dyes in wastewater. Ultra-small (sub-5 nm) Fe 2 O 3 nanocrystals embedding magnetic porous carbon, referred to as Fe 2 O 3 @C, in which starch is used as a carbon source, is demonstrated, and is synthesized by a facile microwave-enhanced high-temperature ionothermal method within 4 min. The Fe 2 O 3 @C obtained is used as a peroxidase-mimicking catalyst in heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions to degrade organic dyes (i.e., methylene blue) with aid from the green oxidant, hydrogen peroxide. Because of its unique structure and high specific surface area, Fe 2 O 3 @C displays enhanced treatment properties in the degradation of methylene blue. Moreover, Fe 2 O 3 @C demonstrates stability and resistance to a broad range of pH, recyclability, and convenient separation. This promising peroxidase-mimicking composite material may have potential applications in degradation of organic pollutants in the environmental cleaning field.