Preparation of Ce-Fe2O3/Al2O3 catalyst for simultaneous degradation of benzodiacetone and reduction of Cr(VI) by electro-Fenton process: Performance, mechanism, degradation pathways

Treating real electroplating wastewater is challenging due to the coexistence of organic contaminants and heavy metal ions, which collectively increase toxicity and pose serious risks to human and environmental health. In this study, the simultaneous removal of a typical organic pollutant (benzodiacetone) and a heavy metal ion (Cr(VI)) from electroplating effluent was investigated using a heterogeneous electro-Fenton process catalyzed by a novel Ce-Fe 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 material. Comprehensive characterization and theoretical calculations confirmed the excellent catalytic performance of the synthesized catalyst. Under near-neutral conditions, the electro-Fenton system achieved removal efficiencies of 99.1 % for benzodiacetone and 98.8 % for Cr(VI). The mechanism of simultaneous degradation was explored, revealing that Ce doping enhanced Fe redox cycling by lowering the binding energy between H 2 O 2 and Fe and facilitating electron transfer from Fe (III) to Fe (II). Additionally, Ce doping improved the stability and reusability of the catalyst. And the Ce could also extend the lifetime and reusability of the catalyst. This work developed a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst in the electro-Fenton process and demonstrated that the Ce-Fe 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 catalyst had a superior application potential in synergic removal of Cr(VI) and benzodiacetone area.