Boosted activity of δ-MnO2 by Kenaf derived carbon fiber for high-efficient oxidative degradation of bisphenol A in water
Lu Gan, Xingyu Fang, Lijie Xu, Linjie Wang, Ying Wu, Boren Dai, Wen He, Jiangtao Shi
Abstract
In this study, kenaf carbon fiber (KCF) was prepared via direct pyrolysis of kenaf fiber. Afterwards, the prepared KCF was incorporated with δ-MnO2 to prepare a series of δ-MnO2/KCF composites. The as-prepared composites were then used to degrade bisphenol A (BPA) in water via oxidative catalysis. Significantly enhanced oxidative capability of the δ-MnO2/KCF was realized, since the KCF could not only prevent δ-MnO2 aggregation, but also facilitate electron transferring between δ-MnO2 and BPA. The impacts of catalyst dosage, initial pollutant concentration, solution pH value, temperature, Mn2+ and natural organic matters on the performance of the δ-MnO2/KCF composites were examined in detail. The results showed that 0.025 mM of BPA could be completely degraded within 10 min by 0.5 g/L of the catalyst at the pH value of 3.80. The subsequent LC-MS analysis results indicated that the δ-MnO2/KCF initiated BPA oxidative degradation and mineralization through capturing one electron from the BPA molecules and forming BPA radicals. Moreover, the as-prepared δ-MnO2/KCF composites also had promising long-time use stability and reusability. This study demonstrates a potentially applicable and sustainable biochar support which could enrich the performance of a catalyst for refractory organic contaminant removals in aqueous environment.