Preparation of highly-efficient Fe, N co-doping biochar from spent coffee grounds for the degradation of antibiotics via Fenton-like reaction

With the overuse of antibiotics, the aquatic environment has been heavily polluted, which has serious negative impacts on various organisms. AOPs degradation system is a promising treatment approach for wastewater of antibiotics. Herein, an efficient, stable and low-cost Fe, N co-modified biochar derived spent coffee ground was developed for activation of PMS to remove TC. 1Fe1N-C-800 biochar provided a 100 % removal rate of TC (50 mg/L) within 30 min at room temperature, which was higher than 1Fe-C-800 (73 %) and 1N-C-800 (40 %). Meanwhile, EPR and quenching experiments indicated that • O 2 − , • OH, • OH/SO 4 •- and 1 O 2 radicals were oxidized species, where the • O 2 − provided the greater contribution during the reaction. Furthermore, the possible PMS activation mechanism and degradation pathway of TC were proposed. Moreover, the Fe, N co-modified biochar showed high activity and stability at broad-pH conditions, and also a broad-spectrum ability to remove various organic pollutants. This study developed an approach for the preparation of highly efficient and stable modified biochar and supplied a sustainable choice for antibiotic wastewater treatment.