Dopamine-derived carbon-iron-based catalysts for efficient peroxymonosulfate activation and bisphenol degradation

In this work, a nitrogen-doped carbon shell was designed for magnetic iron oxide surface to improve the iron recycling efficiency. The DH@Fe3C-7/PMS system completely degraded bisphenol A (BPA) within 40 min at pH 3.0 ∼ 10.0. In addition to BPA, this system effectively degradation an anti-mold and antimicrobial agent (PCMX), phenol, and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). The reactive oxygen species (ROSs) 1O2 dominated the degradation process of BPA. Meanwhile, Fe(IV) with high oxidation potential degrades BPA via non-radical pathway. Pyridine nitrogen and graphite nitrogen are the main active sites, because they provide electrons for the decomposition of PMS promoting the formation of 1O2. DH@Fe3C-7 exhibited excellent stability in removing BPA. The removal efficiency of BPA ranges from 99 % to 78 %. Furthermore, studies were conducted to demonstrate the degradation performance of the DH@Fe3C-7/PMS system in coexisting ionic, river water matrices to assess its potential for practical application. Overall, these results indicate that DH@Fe3C-7 is a promising catalyst for degrading BPA in wastewater.