Simultaneous removal of phosphate and hydroquinone using Fe3Ce1Ox(CA)/H2O2 Fenton-like system

Abstract

Phosphates and organic matter usually coexist in secondary effluent, adversely affecting the stable control of water quality. Therefore, achieving the simultaneous removal of phosphates and organic matter from water bodies is significant. This study reports an excellent Fe₃Ce₁Oₓ(CA) functional material synthesized via a simple one-step co-precipitation method for hydroquinone (HQ) degradation through a Fenton-like reaction while simultaneously adsorbing phosphate. Experimental results show that the Fe₃Ce₁Oₓ(CA) materials exhibit a 92 % HQ degradation efficiency and an 80 % phosphate adsorption efficiency. Systematic characterization confirms that the Fe–Ce synergistic effect enhances the Fe(II) content, significantly promoting H₂O₂ activation. Electron paramagnetic resonance and radical scavenger experiments reveal that ¹O₂, O₂^•⁻, and •OH play essential roles in organic degradation, with •OH being the dominant reactive species. Introducing citric acid increases the Ce(III) content in the Fe–Ce bimetallic oxide composite, enhancing its phosphate adsorption performance. This material successfully achieves both HQ degradation and phosphate removal, and these findings suggest that the Fe₃Ce₁Oₓ(CA)/H₂O₂ system can potentially treat wastewater with combined organic and phosphate pollution. This approach, which achieves multifunctionality in water treatment by regulating the composition of environmental functional materials, enhances the practical application potential of such materials.