Mil-100 (Fe) Framework Derived Fe Encapsulated Carbon Catalyst for Persulfate-Activated Degradation of Organic Contaminants from Wastewater

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) employing persulfate activation are perceived as an effective approach for the removal of organic contaminants due to their non-selective degradation coupled with high efficiency. Recently, heteroatom-doped carbon derived from metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is found to impart added advantages in the persulfate based advanced oxidation process. Compared to other preparation strategies, the exploitation of MOF as a sacrificial template provides a single synthetic route for high surface area carbon with defect-rich sites. Moreover, heteroatom doping leads to high efficiency in persulfate activation leading to appreciable organic pollutant degradation. Herein, we have synthesized Fe/Fe3C encapsulated porous carbon by the high-temperature carbonization of the MIL-100 (Fe) metal-organic framework. The catalytic activity of the obtained carbon was tested towards the degradation of the targeted contaminant Rhodamine (B). 100 % degradation was realized within the initial 35 minutes with minimum catalyst loading of 100 mg/L in 30 mg/L contaminant solution. Also, the catalyst retained ~ 90 % of the removal rate even after 5 cycles of operation. The carbon exhibited high degradation activity towards various other organic compounds like Methylene blue, Benzoic acid, Nitro benzene, Phenol, 4-Chlorophenol, and antibiotics Tetracycline, Linezolid, Hydroxychloroquine, and Cefpodoxime Proxetil. The homogeneous dispersion of Fe/Fe3C species as well as the porous, morphology features obtained on carbonization of MOF has led to better adsorption of reactive species leading ultimately to efficient degradation.