Novel heterogeneous Fenton catalysts prepared using electrolytic manganese residue for efficient degradation of acetaminophen†

Electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) was used as a support to prepare novel EMR-supported catalysts for the heterogeneous Fenton degradation of acetaminophen. Among the five supported catalysts, Co/EMR showed the highest catalytic activity. Several important factors influencing the decay of acetaminophen, including Co loading content, catalyst dosage, H₂O₂ concentration and initial solution pH, were investigated. Under optimal experimental conditions, acetaminophen degradation rate and the TOC removal efficiency reached 63.8% and 35.7% within 480 min, respectively. Free radical quenching and EPR analysis showed that the high catalytic degradation rate of acetaminophen could be ascribed to the presence of ˙OH and O₂˙⁻. Based on the XPS analysis, the superior catalytic performance of Co/EMR was attributed to the Fe, Mn and Co active sites and oxygen vacancies (O_v) on the surface. Additionally, the potential for degradation of other pollutants and the applicability in real water matrices as well as the reusability of Co/EMR were investigated. This heterogeneous Fenton system could expand possibilities for high-value utilization of the EMR and showed potential for treating PPCPs in wastewater.