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Chapter 3: Nanostructured Iron Oxide Hybrid Composites as Heterogeneous Fenton-Like Catalyst for Remediation of Persistent Organic Pollutants

In water purification research and technologies, heterogeneous Fenton catalysts are evolving as an excellent material recently. A summary of present research on heterogeneous Fenton/Fenton-like processes is essential for developing novel and high-efficiency organic wastewater treatment methods. In this chapter, we discussed the basics of Fenton reactions taking the example of iron oxides and their different composites, such as bimetallic composites, composites with carbon compounds, and Fe metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The important operating parameters (solution pH, H 2 O 2 dosage, amount of catalyst used, and reaction temperature) in heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions are discussed. Strategies to increase the rate and activities of heterogeneous Fenton catalysts by using energy sources are presented. The mechanistic aspects of heterogeneous Fenton processes and reusability of catalysts along with their application in real wastewater plants are summarized and discussed. Finally, we concluded with the scope and future prospects of heterogeneous Fenton catalysis research to motivate the readers to construct novel and efficient heterogeneous Fenton/Fenton-like systems for industrial applications.

carbon composites↗

Abiotic manganese oxide formation induced by light and copper-driven Fenton chemistry

Redox-active transition metals such as manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) frequently coexist in surface water systems, where their interactions can significantly influence contaminant fate and water quality. It is widely known that the oxidation of Mn 2+ (aq) to Mn(IV) oxide solids is driven mainly by biotic processes in which Cu 2+ serves as an inhibitor of Mn oxidation. However, Cu 2+ can also trigger Fenton reactions to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) capable of promoting the abiotic Mn oxidation (i.e., without the involvement of biological organisms), through an alternative natural pathway that remains overlooked in water. In this study, we found that the abiotic oxidation of Mn 2+ can be facilitated by the co-existence of sunlight and Cu 2+ . By contrasting Cu 2+ with other divalent cations, such as Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and Zn 2+ , this investigation highlights the distinct role of Cu 2+ in promoting Mn oxidation. Moreover, the study elucidated how light induces ROS to trigger Cu-driven photo-Fenton reactions and identified the roles of ROS in Mn oxidation. Chemical-Fenton reactions (i.e., the interaction between Cu and H 2 O 2 in the absence of light) were also examined for their contribution to the Cu-driven Mn photo-oxidation, supporting the involvement of Fenton chemistry in Mn oxidation. By elucidating the novel photochemical mechanism of Mn oxide formation, our findings advance the understanding of heavy metal interactions in aqueous environments and highlight the intricate roles of Cu 2+ in affecting elemental cycling and the evaluation of heavy metal contamination in water resources. This discovery also underscores the critical contribution of co-existing Fenton-active metals in forming Mn oxide solids.

Abiotic Mn oxidation↗

Removal of phosphorus using biochar derived from Fenton sludge: Mechanism and performance insights

Abstract A phosphorus removal biochar adsorbent was prepared from Fenton sludge. The adsorption process was optimized, and its phosphorus adsorption mechanism was discussed. It was found that the phosphorus adsorption performance of biochar prepared from single Fenton sludge (FBC‐400) was better than that of co‐pyrolysis of Fenton sludge and bamboo powder. The optimum condition was that Fenton sludge pyrolyzed at 400°C (FBC‐400). FBC‐400 had a larger specific surface area than that prepared by co‐pyrolysis with bamboo powder. And the high content of iron element could provide a higher surface charge of the biochar, thereby increasing the electrostatic adsorption of phosphorus onto FBC‐400. The phosphorus adsorption was highly pH dependent by FBC‐400, which can enhance electrostatic adsorption and increase adsorption capacity in acidic conditions. The effect of coexisting anion on adsorption performance was mainly affected by CO 3 2− , reducing the adsorption capacity by at least 49%, whereas other anions had no obvious interference. The adsorption process of FBC‐400 accorded with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and the Langmuir model, which indicated that the adsorption process was monolayer adsorption and mainly chemical adsorption, and the maximum saturated phosphorus adsorption capacity was 8.77 mg g −1 . The mechanisms for phosphorus adsorption were electrostatic adsorption and inner‐sphere complexing. 1 M NaOH was used for desorption, and the adsorption capacity remained at 81% in the fifth cycle. Practitioner Points The Fenton sludge biochar usage as an adsorbent could be a win‐win strategy to convert waste biomass to valuable ‐ product. The adsorption process accorded with the Langmuir model, the maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity was 8.77 mg/g at 25°C. The adsorption mechanisms were electrostatic adsorption and inner‐sphere complexing. 1M NaOH was used for desorption, and the adsorption capacity remained at 81% in the fifth cycle.

Liu, Yanfang↗

Treatment of emerging contaminants in simulated wastewater via tandem photo-Fenton-like reaction and nutrient recovery

We report a tandem strategy that recovers NH 4 + and PO 4 3- nutrients from simulated wastewater in a solid form after the Fenton oxidation of emerging organic contaminants was developed. Mesoporous Cu–MgO nanoparticles were used as a photo-Fenton-like catalyst to oxidize paraoxon and tetracycline present in nutrient-rich simulated wastewater to prevent their incorporation into the struvite product. Mesoporous MgO nanoparticles were subsequently used as the Mg-source for the struvite crystallization due to the fast intraparticle diffusion and adsorption kinetics facilitated by their porosity and the high surface area. Without Fenton oxidation, 13% of paraoxon and 37% of tetracycline were incorporated into the struvite, demonstrating the clear need for the removal of hazardous contaminants before struvite synthesis. Both organic contaminants were eliminated using the Fenton oxidation reaction, with some minor non-toxic intermediate products formed. The product formed after the tandem process was shown by XRD and Raman spectroscopy to be struvite free of the emerging organic contaminants.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Novel catalysts with multivalence copper for organic pollutants removal from wastewater with excellent selectivity and stability in Fenton‐like process under neutral pH conditions

Abstract Fenton‐like reaction has been widely used for organics degradation. However, most Fenton‐like reaction works at low pH range (pH < 4) with uncontrollable selectivity of hydroxyl radicals from H 2 O 2 activation, and unsatisfied catalyst stability, which is compromised advanced oxidation performance for water/wastewater treatments. In this work, to solve the drawbacks, novel copper catalysts were fabricated via hydrogen reduction/calcination of Cu 2+ ‐supported Al/MCM‐41 with precisely controllable copper valence state. Compared with catalysts with monovalence copper (i.e., CuO, Cu, and Cu 2+ ), the obtained catalysts with multivalence copper present higher selectivity, excellent stability towards •OH radical pathways, and outperformance in p CBA degradation efficiency at neutral state. In addition, the fabricated catalysts also exhibited excellent phenol removal efficiency (75.5%) and H 2 O 2 utilization efficiency (47.9%) within neutral environment. Moreover, the degradation efficiency of phenol approaches to 100% within only 2 h. The catalyst also shows good stability for organic pollutants removal, which shows good potential in catalytic oxidation for phenolic compounds‐containing wastewater in Fenton‐like reaction, especially under neutral pH conditions. Practitioner Points Multivalence copper presents great potentials for organic compounds removal at neutral condition. Multivalence copper shows higher selectivity toward •OH and good stability at neutral condition. Multivalence copper exhibiters outperformed phenol removal efficiency at neutral condition.

Li, Haitao↗

Biaxial Strains Mediated Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis on Fenton Reaction Resistant L1 0 ‐PtZn Fuel Cell Cathode

Abstract PtM alloy catalysts (e.g., PtFe, PtCo), especially in an intermetallic L1 0 structure, have attracted considerable interest due to their respectable activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, metal‐catalyzed formation of ·OH from H 2 O 2 (i.e., Fenton reaction) by Fe‐ or Co‐containing catalysts causes severe degradation of PEM/catalyst layers, hindering the prospects of commercial applications. Zinc is known as an antioxidant in Fenton reaction, but is rarely alloyed with Pt owing to its relatively negative redox potential. Here, sub‐4 nm intermetallic L1 0 ‐PtZn nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized as high‐performance PEMFC cathode catalysts. In PEMFC tests, the L1 0 ‐PtZn cathode achieves outstanding activity (0.52 A mg Pt −1 at 0.9 V iR ‐free , and peak power density of 2.00 W cm −2 ) and stability (only 16.6% loss in mass activity after 30 000 voltage cycles), exceeding the U.S. DOE 2020 targets and most of the reported ORR catalysts. Density function theory calculations reveal that biaxial strains developed upon the disorder‐order (A1L1 0 ) transition of PtZn NPs would modulate the surface PtPt distances and optimize PtO binding for ORR activity enhancement, while the increased vacancy formation energy of Zn atoms in an ordered structure accounts for the improved stability.

Liang, Jiashun↗

Iron (IV) Formation and the pH Dependent Kinetics of the Fenton Reaction

Despite its widespread importance for biological and environmental chemistry and decades of study, the mechanism underlying the Fenton reaction is still a matter of some controversy. Here, to elucidate the pH dependence of this complex reaction, a new kinetic model is developed to explain the increase in rate and mechanistic shift that occurs from acidic to neutral conditions. This mechanism originated from a re-analysis of a previously proposed model, which neglected explicit iron speciation, leading to unrealistic rate constants. Accounting for speciation suggests a much faster formation rate of Fe(IV), which is estimated to be on the order of 10 6 M −1 s −1 . Expanding on prior kinetic studies that include speciation under acidic conditions, we propose a unified kinetic model that captures the pH-dependent rate acceleration in Fe(II) oxidation by H 2 O 2 , which is a significant step toward resolving the long-standing mechanistic ambiguity of Fenton chemistry.

Cohen, Liron [Lawrence Berkeley National Laborator↗

Depolymerization of lignin for biological conversion through sulfonation and a chelator-mediated Fenton reaction

The generating value from lignin through depolymerization and biological conversion to valuable fuels, chemicals, or intermediates has great promise but is limited by several factors including lack of cost-effective depolymerization methods, toxicity within the breakdown products, and low bioconversion of the breakdown products. High yield depolymerization of natural lignins requires cleaving carbon-carbon bonds in addition to ether bonds. To address that need, we report that a chelator-mediated Fenton reaction can efficiently cleave C-C bonds in sulfonated polymers at or near room temperature, and that unwanted repolymerization can be minimized through optimizing reaction conditions. This method was used to depolymerize lignosulfonate from M w = 28,000 g/mol to M w = 800 g/mol. The breakdown products were characterized by SEC, FTIR and NMR and evaluated for bioavailability. The breakdown products are rich in acid, aldehyde, and alcohol functionalities but are largely devoid of aromatics and aliphatic dienes. A panel of nine organisms were tested for the ability to grow on the breakdown products. Growth at a low level was observed for several monocultures on the depolymerized LS in absence of glucose. Much stronger growth was observed in the presence of 0.2% glucose and for one organism we demonstrate doubling of melanin production in the presence of depolymerized LS. The results suggest that this chelator-mediated Fenton method is a promising new approach for biological conversion of lignin into higher value chemicals or intermediates.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Facet‐dependent Heterogeneous Fenton Reaction Mechanisms on Hematite Nanoparticles for (Photo)catalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes

Although heterogeneous photo‐Fenton reactions on nanoparticulate iron oxides effectively degrade organic pollutants, the underlying surface mechanisms remain debated. Here, we demonstrate how these pathways are modulated by specific hematite crystal facets. To investigate the influence of particle surface structure, methylene blue (MB) adsorption and photodegradation kinetics are examined using facet‐engineered hematite nanoparticles with distinct exposed facets. The results reveal that MB photodegradation strongly depends on both pH and facet orientation. When normalized by surface area, (116) facet shows higher photodegradation activity than those with (104) or (001) facets. This enhanced activity is attributed to favorable electronic structure and surface characteristics, including a smaller optical bandgap, faster charge transfer, and superior H 2 O 2 decomposition. In contrast, the photodegradation capacity follows (104) 〉 (116) 〉 (001), primarily due to the higher density of surface‐active sites on the (104) facet. These sites promote coupled MB adsorption and degradation, enabling removal of a greater overall quantity of MB. Additionally, under high pH conditions, hematite can degrade MB in the dark, with capacities following (001) ≫ (116) 〉 (104). These findings underscore the critical catalytic role of specific hematite surfaces and advance the understanding of facet‐dependent photoinduced redox chemistry at mineral–water interfaces.

(photo)catalytic degradation↗

Heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like degradation of emerging pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater using Cu-doped MgO nanoparticles

In this study, a facile thermal decomposition method was utilized to synthesize Cu-doped MgO nanoparticles possessing mesoporosity. These mesoporous Cu doped MgO nanoparticles were shown to be efficient photo-Fenton-like catalysts for the degradation of emerging pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater and were able to completely oxidize salicylic acid within 1 hour under optimized conditions. Tetracycline was shown to be converted to other intermediates with a large portion of it undergoing full mineralization. Batch experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effects of Cu loading on MgO, overall catalyst loading, and H 2 O 2 concentration on the salicylic acid and tetracycline conversion and rate constants. Quenching experiments revealed that both •OH radicals or HO 2 •/•O 2 - radicals were involved in the reaction, with the latter showing a higher contribution. The surface dissolution of MgO was shown to facilitate a high pH environment which completely prevented Cu from leaching out of the catalyst while retaining high activity. The catalyst reusability was shown to be satisfactory with high activity and conversion being preserved over five cycles.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗

Mesoporous Fe-doped MgO nanoparticles as a heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like catalyst for degradation of salicylic acid in wastewater

Mesoporous Fe-doped MgO nanoparticles were synthesized using a facile sol-gel method and utilized for photo-Fenton-like degradation of salicylic acid (SA). The MgO surface dissolution facilitated an increase in the pH under the reaction conditions that allowed the Fe-MgO catalyst to be active without detectable iron leaching. Under simulated solar radiation, SA was completely degraded with an initial rate constant of 0.048 min -1 at the optimal reaction conditions of 500 ppm loading of 5% Fe-MgO, 20 mM H 2 O 2 concentration, and 50 ppm SA concentration. The catalyst was stable over 5 reaction cycles. The Fe-MgO catalyst was shown to have a surface area up to 171 m 2 /g and contain hematite (Fe 2 O 3 ) nanoparticles with octahedrally coordinated iron catalytic centers, as inferred from diffuse reflectance UV–vis measurements. Post-reaction catalyst characterization showed that some Fe 2+ was present in the catalyst due to the redox cycle during the chain initiation and propagation steps of the reaction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experimental and computational study of polystyrene sulfonate breakdown by a Fenton reaction

Experimental studies and ab initio quantum chemistry calculations were combined to investigate the process by which a Fenton reaction breaks down polystyrene sulfonate. The experimental results show that both molecular weight reduction and loss of aromaticity occur nearly simultaneously, a finding that is supported by the calculations. The results show that more than half of the material is broken down to low molecular weight compounds (< 500 g/mol) with two molar equivalents of H 2 O 2 per styrene monomer. The calculations provide insights into the reaction pathways and indicate that at least two hydroxyl radicals are required to cleave backbone Csingle bondC bonds or to eliminate aromaticity. The calculations also show that, of the aromatic carbons, hydroxyl radical is most likely to add to the carbon bonded to sulfur. This finding explains the loss of hydrogen sulfite anion early in the process and also the efficient reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) through semiquinone formation. Taken together the experimental and computational results indicate that the reaction is very efficient and that very little H 2 O 2 is lost to unproductive reactions. In conclusion, this high efficiency is attributed to the close association of Fe atoms with the sulfonate group such that hydroxyl radicals are generated near the polymer chains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Manipulating the Second Coordination Shell of Single-Atom Fe for Enhanced Fenton Reaction

While current methods use oxidizable metals as electron donors to effectively reduce Fe 3+ , they suffer from the irreversible oxidation of these metals, ultimately compromising the catalyst’s longevity. To address this challenge, we engineered the second coordination shell of a single-atom Fe center by doping boron (B) onto a graphene-based support (Fe 1 /B-graphene) and utilized H 2 O 2 as the electron source for efficient Fe 2+ regeneration. Experimental results, supported by theoretical calculations, revealed that the Fe–O–B motif functions like a micro galvanic cell, with intermediary O atoms facilitating electron transfer between electrodes. Specifically, electrons consumed during H 2 O 2 activation at Fe 1 sites (positive electrode) are replenished by electrons extracted from H 2 O 2 at B atoms (negative electrode), where the activation energy for H 2 O 2 oxidation is significantly lower than that at Fe 1 sites. This study offers inspirational insights into the design of Fenton catalysts through precise regulation of the second coordination shell, demonstrating the potential of tailoring the outer coordination environment of single-atom catalysts to enhance catalytic performance across various reactions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ferrous and Ferric Ion-Facilitated Dilute Acid Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass under Anaerobic or Aerobic Conditions: Observations of Fe Valence Interchange and the Role of Fenton Reaction

Ferrous ion co-catalyst enhancement of dilute-acid (DA) pretreatment of biomass is a promising technology for increasing the release of sugars from recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass. However, due to the reductive status of ferrous ion and its susceptibility to oxidation with exposure to atmosphere, its effective application presumably requires anaerobic aqueous conditions created by nitrogen gas-purging, which adds extra costs. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of oxidative iron ion, (i.e., ferric ion) as a co-catalyst in DA pretreatment of biomass, using an anaerobic chamber to strictly control exposure to oxygen during setup and post-pretreatment analyses. Remarkably, the ferric ions were found to be as efficient as ferrous ions in enhancing sugar release during DA pretreatment of biomass, which may be attributed to the observation that a major portion of the initial ferric ions were converted to ferrous during pretreatment. Furthermore, the detection of hydrogen peroxide in the liquors after DA/Fe ion pretreatment suggests that Fenton reaction chemistry was likely involved in DA/Fe ion pretreatments of biomass, contributing to the observed ferric and ferrous interchanges during pretreatment. These results help define the extent and specification requirements for applying iron ions as co-catalysts in DA pretreatments of biomass.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Utilization of Novel (KNbO 3 ) 1− x (Ba 2 FeNbO 6 ) x ( x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) Solid Solutions for Efficient Photo‐Assisted Fenton Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye

Novel (KNbO 3 ) 1− x (Ba 2 FeNbO 6 ) x ( x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) solid solutions corresponding to K 0.82 Ba 0.18 Fe 0.09 Nb 0.91 O 3 , K 0.64 Ba 0.36 Fe 0.18 Nb 0.82 O 3 , and K 0.46 Ba 0.54 Fe 0.27 Nb 0.73 O 3 compounds have been synthesized via molten salt method. X‐ray diffraction confirms the formation of solid solutions, while transmission electron microscopy combined with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy results demonstrates a homogeneous distribution of elements. The obtained solid solutions crystallized in a cubic crystal structure, whereas the parent KNbO 3 possesses an orthorhombic structure. The wide bandgap semiconductor KNbO 3 transformed into a visible‐light‐active material, with its bandgap energy reduced from 3.56 eV to ≈2.4 eV. The substitution of K in KNbO 3 with Ba is responsible for structural modification from orthorhombic to cubic symmetry, whereas both structural modification and the substitution of Nb with Fe correlated with optical properties. The photocatalytic activities of all obtained solid solutions are improved compared with the parent KNbO 3 and Ba 2 FeNbO 6 compounds for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. Among the series of solid solutions, K 0.82 Ba 0.18 Fe 0.09 Nb 0.91 O 3 photocatalysts show the highest MB removal efficiency owing to its relatively higher surface area, suppressed charge carrier recombination, and more negative conduction band edge. Moreover, K 0.82 Ba 0.18 Fe 0.09 Nb 0.91 O 3 photocatalyst (0.1 g) combined with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to form a novel photo‐Fenton system, achieving almost complete degradation of 100 mL of 10 mg L −1 MB dye in 30 min.

Avcıoğlu, Celal [Technische Universität Berlin, Fa↗