High-dispersive FeS2 on graphene oxide for effective degradation of 4-chlorophenol

Abstract

A high-dispersive FeS₂ micro-cube crystal on graphene oxide (FeS₂@GO) was fabricated by a one-pot hydrothermal method. The catalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and its mechanism in a FeS₂@GO-based Fenton system was investigated. Under acidic to slight alkaline conditions, FeS₂@GO demonstrated an excellent capacity to remove 4-CP. More than 97% of 4-CP was eliminated within 60 min in pH 7.0 reaction solutions initially containing 0.2 g L⁻¹ FeS₂@GO, 128.6 mg L⁻¹ 4-CP and 100 mM H₂O₂ at 25 ± 1 °C, and the removal of 4-CP was further enhanced with increasing FeS₂@GO loadings. In the meantime, the FeS₂@GO also achieved lower iron leaching and a more complete TOC removal compared with pure synthetic FeS₂ without graphene oxide. Furthermore, acetic acid and oxalic acid were identified as the primary products. The remarkable capacity of the FeS₂@GO-based Fenton system in removing 4-CP displays its potential application in the treatment of organic compound-contaminated water.