In-situ generation of H2O2 using Fenton-like AC-Fe-Cu composite for degradation of Methylene Blue

Abstract

A novel Fenton-like AC-Fe-Cu composite was synthesized characterized and optimized to accomplish mineralization of Methylene Blue. This composite was synthesized at different temperatures and mass ratios of copper to select the optimum synthesis temperature and effective mass ratio of copper. The optimum synthesis temperature was 5000C and effective mass ratio of AC:Fe:Cu was 3:1:0.25. This composite was used to run a series of batch experiments. Internal micro-electrolysis took place between Fe0 , Cu0 and carbon which facilitated reduction of molecular oxygen (O2) to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). H2O2 has an oxidation potential of 1.8V hence, it is capable of efficiently degrading organic pollutants. This H2O2 was further reduced to hydroxyl radical (•OH) by Fenton-like reaction between Fe2+ and Cu+ and carbon. Hydroxyl radical has an oxidation potential of 2.8V, thereby enhancing the oxidizing ability of the whole system. Characterization results showed successful synthesis of composite. The BET surface area of the AC-Fe-Cu composite was 172.94 m2

/g. The maximum removal efficiency of MB using this composite was 99.6% at composite dosage of 1g/L, pH of 1, MB concentration of 50mg/L and reaction time 2 hours. In-situ H2O2 generation was 12mg/L in 120 mins. Composite gave the best results at a composite dosage of 1g/L, pH 4 and a MB concentration of 50mg/L.