Application of response surface methodology for optimization of oxytetracycline hydrochloride degradation using hydrogen peroxide/polystyrene-supported iron phthalocyanine oxidation process

Inspired by metalloporphyrin-based enzymes, a biomimetic catalyst, R-N-Fe, was prepared by grafting iron phthalocyanine (FePc) covalently onto a macroporous chloromethylated polystyrene-divinylbenzene resin (R), which was pre-functionalized using 4-aminopyridine (4-ampy) as an axial ligand. The novel catalyst was used for the degradation of oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTCH). The response surface methodology was employed to optimize the independent operating parameters, including temperature, catalyst amount, H 2 O 2 dosage, and initial pH value. The results displayed that the initial pH and temperature had the most significant effect on the removal efficiency. Under optimum conditions, the OTCH removal efficiency was 93.98%. Additionally, the classical quenching experiment and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) test indicated that R-N-Fe could generate hydroxyl radicals by decomposing H 2 O 2 , which was the main active species for eliminating OTCH. Furthermore, R-N-Fe can be easily recycled and can maintain high stability in the reusability test, rendering it a good potential for practical application.