This study demonstrates that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) activate persulfates (i.e., peroxymonosulfate and peroxydisulfate) into reactive species that are capable of oxidizing organic contaminants in water. In the presence of single- or multi-walled CNTs, persulfates effectively oxidized phenolic compounds and several pharmaceuticals, whereas phenyl derivatives substituted with electron-withdrawing groups such as benzoic acid and nitrobenzene were resistant to oxidation. Based on the results regarding persulfate decomposition and the electrochemical analysis using a CNT electrode, it has been suggested that persulfates bind onto the surface of CNTs forming metastable reactive complexes that are immediately decomposed upon the reaction with organic compounds. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy with spin-trapping indicates that these reactive complexes are distinct from sulfate radical anion or hydroxyl radical, and preferentially oxidize substrates by electron abstraction. The CNT-activated persulfate system shows promise as a novel treatment technology for selective oxidation of organic contaminants in water.

Activation of persulfates by carbon nanotubes: Application to oxidation of organic contaminants in water

248th National Meeting (2014)

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