Efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate by FeCe bimetallic nanoparticle loaded biochar for high-efficiency acetaminophen degradation

Abstract

Fe and Ce co-doped biochar composites were synthesized and used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade acetaminophen (APAP). The results indicated that the catalyst with 5 % Ce doping (FeCe_0.05/BC) resulted in the best activation performance, achieving 99.9 % APAP removal within 15 min. Fe species were the main active sites, and the introduction of Ce promoted the redox cycle of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ and accelerated the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). Utilizing a combined approach of quenching studies and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we have conclusively demonstrated the pivotal ROSs (•OH, SO₄^•−, O₂^•−, and ¹O₂) were involved in the degradation of APAP. Moreover, FeCe_0.05/BC showed excellent stability and applicability, which are important for practical water treatment operations. We further loaded the catalyst onto the filter membrane to develop a microfiltration device and demonstrated that APAP could be removed by simple passage through the filter.