A novel zero-valent iron [Fe(0)]-included biochar, which was synthesized with rice straw and Fe(0), was applied to remove nitro explosives (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) and halogenated phenols (2,4-dibromopehnol and 2,4-difluorophenol) from contaminated waters. Due to the presence of biochar outside, the removal of nitro explosives and halogenated phenols was significantly enhanced via sorption. The sorbed contaminants were further transformed to reductive products, indicating that inside Fe(0) played the role of a reductant in the Fe(0)-included biochar. Compared to direct reduction with Fe(0), the reductive transformation with Fe(0)-included biochar was markedly enhanced, suggesting that the biochar in Fe(0)-included biochar may act as an electron transfer mediator. Further experiments showed that surface functional groups of biochar were involved in the catalytic enhancement of electron transfer. Our results suggested that biomass could be used to synthesize a novel sorbent and catalyst for treating redox-sensitive contaminants in natural and engineered systems.

Redox and catalytic properties of zero-valent iron-included biochar for removal of nitro explosives and halogenated phenols

254th National Meeting (2017)

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