Algae-derived metal-free boron-doped biochar acts as a catalyst for the activation of peroxymonosulfate toward the degradation of diclofenac

In this study, plain seaweed biochar (SW) and boron-doped seaweed biochar (BSW) were prepared through a simple pyrolysis process using Undaria pinnatifida (algae biomass) and boric acid. The BSW catalyst was utilized to degrade organic pollutants in aqueous environments by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Surface characterization of the BSW demonstrated successful doping of boron into the biochar materials. BSW600 exhibited greater catalytic activity than SW600, as evidenced by the former's maximum adsorption capacity of diclofenac (DCF) onto BSW600 (qmax = 30.01 mg g−1) and the activation of PMS. Complete degradation of DCF was achieved in 30 min using 100 mg L−1 BSW600, 0.5 mM PMS, and 6.5 initial solution pH as critical parameters. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model accurately described the DCF degradation kinetics. The scavenger experiment displayed that radical and non-radical reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed in the BSW600/PMS system. Furthermore, the generation of ROS in the BSW600/PMS system was confirmed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR). The percentage contribution of ROS was assessed to be 12.3, 45.0, and 42.7% for HO•, SO4•–, and 1O2, respectively. Additionally, the electron transfer pathway was also confirmed by electrochemical analysis. Moreover, the influence of water matrics on the BSW600/PMS system was demonstrated. The co-existence of anions and humic acid (HA) did not affect the catalytic activity of the BSW600/PMS system. The recyclability of BSW600 was assessed by DCF removal (86.3%) after three cycles. Ecological structure-activity relationships software was used to assess by-product toxicity. This study demonstrates the efficacy of non-metallic heteroatom-doped biochar materials as eco-friendly catalysts in groundwater applications.