Highly efficient decomposition of organic dyes by aqueous-fiber phase transfer and in situ catalytic oxidation using fiber-supported cobalt phthalocyanine

Iron phthalocyanine supported on amidoximated PAN fiber as effective catalyst for controllable hydrogen peroxide activation in oxidizing organic dyes

Iron(II) phthalocyanine was immobilized onto amidoximated polyacrylonitrile fiber to construct a bioinspired catalytic system for oxidizing organic dyes by H₂O₂ activation. The amidoxime groups greatly helped to anchor Iron(II) phthalocyanine molecules onto the fiber through coordination interaction, which has been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analyses. Electron spin resonance studies indicate that the catalytic process of physically anchored Iron(II) phthalocyanine performed via a hydroxyl radical pathway, while the catalyst bonded Iron(II) phthalocyanine through coordination effect could selectively catalyze the H₂O₂ decomposition to generate high-valent iron-oxo species. This may result from the amidoxime groups functioning as the axial fifth ligands to favor the heterolytic cleavage of the peroxide OO bond. This feature also enables the catalyst to only degrade the dyes adjacent to the catalytic active centers and enhances the efficient utilization of H₂O₂. In addition, this catalyst could effectively catalyze the mineralization of organic dyes and can be easily recycled without any loss of activity.

Self-floating graphitic carbon nitride/zinc phthalocyanine nanofibers for photocatalytic degradation of contaminants

The effective elimination of micropollutants by an environmentally friendly method has received extensive attention recently. In this study, a photocatalyst based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-supported graphitic carbon nitride coupled with zinc phthalocyanine nanofibers (g-C3N4/ZnTcPc/PAN nanofibers) was successfully prepared, where g-C3N4/ZnTcPc was introduced as the catalytic entity and the PAN nanofibers were employed as support to overcome the defects of easy aggregation and difficult recycling. Herein, rhodamine B (RhB), 4-chlorophenol and carbamazepine (CBZ) were selected as the model pollutants. Compared with the typical hydroxyl radical-dominated catalytic system, g-C3N4/ZnTcPc/PAN nanofibers displayed the targeted adsorption and degradation of contaminants under visible light or solar irradiation in the presence of high additive concentrations. According to the results of the radical scavenging techniques and the electron paramagnetic resonance technology, the degradation of target substrates was achieved by the attack of active species, including photogenerated hole, singlet oxygen, superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals. Based on the results of ultra-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, the role of free radicals on the photocatalytic degradation intermediates was identified and the final photocatalytic degradation products of both RhB and CBZ were some biodegradable small molecules.

Catalytic degradation of recalcitrant pollutants by Fenton-like process using polyacrylonitrile-supported iron (II) phthalocyanine nanofibers: Intermediates and pathway

Iron (II) phthalocyanine (FePc) molecules were isolated in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers by electrospinning to prevent the formation of dimers and oligomers. Carbamazepine (CBZ) and Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation was investigated during a Fenton-like process with FePc/PAN nanofibers. Classical quenching tests with isopropanol and electron paramagnetic resonance tests with 5,5-dimethyl-pyrroline-oxide as spin-trapping agent were performed to determine the formation of active species during hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposition by FePc/PAN nanofibers. After eight recycles for CBZ degradation over the FePc/PAN nanofibers/H2O2 system, the removal ratios of CBZ remained at 99%. Seven by-products of RhB and twelve intermediates of CBZ were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Pathways of CBZ and RhB degradation were proposed based on the identified intermediates. As the reaction proceeded, all CBZ and RhB aromatic nucleus intermediates decreased and were transformed to small acids, but also to potentially toxic epoxide-containing intermediates and acridine, because of the powerful oxidation ability of •OH in the catalytic system.

The consortium of heterogeneous cobalt phthalocyanine catalyst and bicarbonate ion as a novel platform for contaminants elimination based on peroxymonosulfate activation

The design of catalytic oxidation processes with high efficiency has attracted considerable attention for a long while in environmental catalysis. In this work, a novel oxidation system, CFs-CoPc/PMS, was developed by coupling cellulosic fibers-bonded cobalt phthalocyanine (CFs-CoPc) with peroxymonosulfate (PMS). CFs-CoPc/PMS system could effectively decolorize azo dyes such as Acid Red 1 (AR1) with almost 100% decolorization efficiency in 35 min, suggesting that the CFs-CoPc/PMS system was a highly efficient oxidation process. In addition, bicarbonate ion (HCO3(-)) was further introduced to CFs-CoPc/PMS to construct a combined system, CFs-CoPc/PMS/HCO3(-). Remarkably, this system turned the negative effect of HCO3(-) observed in most reported Co/PMS systems into a positive one, which enhanced the AR1 decolorization with over 2-fold increase of the rate constant. The main factor responsible for the enhancement was high-valent cobalt-oxo intermediates (PcCo(IV)=O), which was presumably generated via the heterolytic cleavage of the PMS OO bond by CoPc-HCO3(-) complex. It is noteworthy that high-valent cobalt-oxo intermediates as the major active species is different from most reported mechanisms in Co/PMS systems, in which hydroxyl and sulfate radicals are recognized as the dominant active species. This study paves an avenue for developing highly efficient catalytic oxidation technology for wastewater remediation.

Selective removal of toxic anionic dyes using a novel nanocomposite derived from cationically modified guar gum and silica nanoparticles

A novel nanocomposite derived from cationically modified guar gum and in-situ incorporated SiO2 NP (cat-GG/SiO2) has been developed. The cat-GG has been synthesised by grafting poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) on GG backbone. Various analyses endorse the suitability of cat-GG as well-organized template for the development of homogeneous SiO2 NPs. Dye adsorption studies predict that cat-GG/SiO2 efficiently and selectively adsorb anionic dyes (reactive blue-RB and Congo red-CR) from mixture of dye solutions. This is because of high surface area, multifunctional chelating H-bonding interactions and electrostatic interactions of cationic adsorbent with anionic dyes. Dyes adsorbed on the composite surface are desorbed reversibly using pH 10 stripping solution. Besides, cat-GG/SiO2 has been recycled efficiently with no prominent loss of dye uptake capacity, even after 4 adsorption-desorption cycles.

Lanthanum molybdenum oxide as a new platform for highly selective adsorption and fast separation of organic dyes

A lanthanum molybdenum oxide (La₂Mo₂O₉) exhibits fast adsorption properties and high selectivity for multi-sulfonic dyes.

Encapsulation of tungstophosphoric acid into harmless MIL-101(Fe) for effectively removing cationic dye from aqueous solution

H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ was incorporated into cages of harmless MIL-101(Fe). The composite material exhibited excellent adsorption performance for the cationic dyes MB and RhB, can be utilized in the selective capture and separation of organic dyes in water and is reusable and stable.

Natural hydroxyapatite supported cobalt tetrasulfophthalocyanine: a green, renewable and biomaterial-based heterogeneous catalyst for selective aerobic oxidation of alkyl arenes and alcohols

Natural hydroxyapatite supported cobalt tetrasulfophthalocyanine (CoTSPc-NHAp) as a green, renewable and biomaterial-based heterogeneous catalyst promotes aerobic oxidation of alkyl arenes and alcohols.

Adsorption behavior of magnetic amino-functionalized metal–organic framework for cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous solution

The mechanisms of interactions such as electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and π–π stacking interaction were discussed for the adsorption of cationic and anionic dyes onto magnetic NH₂-MIL-101(Al).

A new functionalized magnetic nanocomposite of poly(methylacrylate) for the efficient removal of anionic dyes from aqueous media

A magnetic nano-adsorbent was synthesized via the radical polymerization of methyl acrylate on modified Fe₃O₄ MNPs, followed by amidation of the methyl ester groups using pentaethylenehexamine, to create active sites for adsorption of anionic dyes.

Efficient and rapid adsorption characteristics of templating modified guar gum and silica nanocomposite toward removal of toxic reactive blue and Congo red dyes

The present study highlights the potentiality of sol-gel synthesized guar gum-graft-poly (acrylamide)/silica (g-GG/SiO2) hybrid nanocomposite toward the rapid removal of toxic reactive blue 4 (RB) and Congo red (CR) dyes from aqueous solution. Various physicochemical characterizations support the feasibility of the functionalized guar gum matrix as efficient template for the formation of homogeneous nanoscale silica particles. The composite demonstrates rapid and superior adsorption efficiency of RB (Qmax: 579.01 mg g(-1) within 40 min) and CR (Qmax: 233.24 mg g(-1) within 30 min) dyes from aqueous environment. Here, the pH driven adsorption process depends strongly on the ionic strength of the salt solution. The adsorption kinetics data predicts that pseudo second-order (surface adsorption) and intraparticle diffusion take place simultaneously. The adsorption equilibrium is in good agreement with the Langmuir isotherm, while the thermodynamics study confirms spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. Desorption study predicts the excellent regenerative efficacy of nanocomposite.

A Mild Catalytic Oxidation System: FePcOTf/H2O2 Applied for Cyclohexene Dihydroxylation

Iron (III) phthalocyanine complexes were employed for the first time as a mild and efficient Lewis acid catalyst in the selective oxidation of cyclohexene to cyclohexane-1,2-diol. It was found that the catalyst FePcOTf shown excellent conversion and moderate selectivity relative to other iron (III) phthalocyanine complexes. The optimum conditions of the oxidation reaction catalyzed by FePcOTf/H₂O₂ have been researched in this paper. Iron (III) phthalocyanine triflate (1 mol %) as catalyst, hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, methanol as solvent, and a mole ratio of substrate and oxidant (H₂O₂) of 1:1 were used for achieving moderate yields of 1,2-diols under reflux conditions after eight hours.

One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of hematite-reduced graphene oxide composites for efficient removal of malachite green from aqueous solution

The α-Fe₂O₃–rGO materials prepared by one-pot hydrothermal conditions exhibit an excellent capacity to remove MG from water.

Preparation of magnetic core–shell iron oxide@silica@nickel-ethylene glycol microspheres for highly efficient sorption of uranium(vi)

We report a facile approach for the formation of magnetic core–shell iron oxide@silica@nickel-ethylene glycol (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Ni-L) microspheres.

Synergetic adsorption and catalytic oxidation performance originating from leafy graphite nanosheet anchored iron(ii) phthalocyanine nanorods for efficient organic dye degradation

Leafy graphite nanosheet anchored iron(ii) phthalocyanine nanorods (FePc@LGNS) were facilely synthesized without using a complex covalent anchoring procedure.

A novel magnetic polysaccharide–graphene oxide composite for removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solution

Magnetic adsorbents with more adsorption sites can realize efficient adsorption of cationic dyes.

Preparation of carbon nano-onions by the low-temperature unfolding of MWCNTs via interaction with theraphthal

Ultrasonic treatment of theraphthal and MWCNT dispersions resulted in the formation of nano-onion structures in mild conditions.

Review of iron-free Fenton-like systems for activating H2O2 in advanced oxidation processes

Iron-catalyzed hydrogen peroxide decomposition for in situ generation of hydroxyl radicals (HO(•)) has been extensively developed as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for environmental applications. A variety of catalytic iron species constituting metal salts (in Fe(2+) or Fe(3+) form), metal oxides (e.g., Fe2O3, Fe3O4), and zero-valent metal (Fe(0)) have been exploited for chemical (classical Fenton), photochemical (photo-Fenton) and electrochemical (electro-Fenton) degradation pathways. However, the requirement of strict acidic conditions to prevent iron precipitation still remains the bottleneck for iron-based AOPs. In this article, we present a thorough review of alternative non-iron Fenton catalysts and their reactivity towards hydrogen peroxide activation. Elements with multiple redox states (like chromium, cerium, copper, cobalt, manganese and ruthenium) all directly decompose H2O2 into HO(•) through conventional Fenton-like pathways. The in situ formation of H2O2 and decomposition into HO(•) can be also achieved using electron transfer mechanism in zero-valent aluminum/O2 system. Although these Fenton systems (except aluminum) work efficiently even at neutral pH, the H2O2 activation mechanism is very specific to the nature of the catalyst and critically depends on its composition. This review describes in detail the complex mechanisms and emphasizes on practical limitations influencing their environmental applications.

Recent advances in heterogeneous photocatalytic decolorization of synthetic dyes

During the process and operation of the dyes, the wastes produced were commonly found to contain organic and inorganic impurities leading to risks in the ecosystem and biodiversity with the resultant impact on the environment. Improper effluent disposal in aqueous ecosystems leads to reduction of sunlight penetration which in turn diminishes photosynthetic activity, resulting in acute toxic effects on the aquatic flora/fauna and dissolved oxygen concentration. Recently, photodegradation of various synthetic dyes has been studied in terms of their absorbance and the reduction of oxygen content by changes in the concentration of the dye. The advantages that make photocatalytic techniques superior to traditional methods are the ability to remove contaminates in the range of ppb, no generation of polycyclic compounds, higher speed, and lower cost. Semiconductor metal oxides, typically TiO₂, ZnO, SnO, NiO, Cu₂O, Fe₃O₄, and also CdS have been utilized as photocatalyst for their nontoxic nature, high photosensitivity, wide band gap and high stability. Various process parameters like photocatalyst dose, pH and initial dye concentrations have been varied and highlighted. Research focused on surface modification of semiconductors and mixed oxide semiconductors by doping them with noble metals (Pt, Pd, Au, and Ag) and organic matter (C, N, Cl, and F) showed enhanced dye degradation compared to corresponding native semiconductors. This paper reviews recent advances in heterogeneous photocatalytic decolorization for the removal of synthetic dyes from water and wastewater. Thus, the main core highlighted in this paper is the critical selection of semiconductors for photocatalysis based on the chemical, physical, and selective nature of the poisoning dyes.

Design and fabrication of branched polyamine functionalized mesoporous silica: an efficient absorbent for water remediation

A novel branched polyamine (polyethyleneimine, PEI) functionalized mesoporous silica (MS) adsorbent is developed via a facile "grafting-to" approach. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy verified the effective surface functionalization of MS with monolayer and polymer. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to reveal the morphology of the fabricated materials. The adsorption behavior of the polyamine functionalized mesoporous silica (MS-PEI) is assessed against anionic dyes. The adsorbent characteristics of MS-PEI are compared with a monolayer platform comprising of 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES) functionalized mesoporous silica (MS-APTES). The adsorption behavior of the MS-PEI and MS-APTES toward anionic dyes is further evaluated by studying the effect of adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, and temperature. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models are employed to understand the adsorption mechanism. The obtained kinetic data support a pseudo-second-order adsorption behavior for both monolayer and polymer functionalized MS. The associated thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) reveal that the process of adsorption with MS-PEI is more spontaneous and energetically favored as compared to the adsorption with MS-APTES. Taken together, the novel adsorbent system derived from a combination of MS and branched polymer (MS-PEI) shows the higher absorption efficiency and capacity toward the anionic dyes than the monolayer based adsorbent (MS-APTES).

Preparation and Catalytic Activity of Carbon Nanofibers Anchored Metallophthalocyanine in Decomposing Acid Orange 7

Amine-modified CNFs (AN-CNFs) were first obtained through the Billups reaction from carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and were used as supports of cobalt tetracarboxylphthalocyanine (CoTCPc) for the catalytic oxidation of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) in the CoTCPc-AN-CNFs/H₂O₂ system. CNFs, AN-CNFs and CoTCPc-AN-CNFs were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy and N₂ adsorption-desorption. The oxidative decoloration of AO7 in the presence of CoTCPcNa-AN-CNFs and H₂O₂ was investigated by UV-Vis absorption spectra. The results showed that AO7 was oxidized efficiently in the CoTCPcNa-AN-CNFs /H₂O₂ system. The benzene ring was first introduced between CNFs and MPcs. However, its catalytic efficiency and electronic properties would not weaken. New catalytic mechanism may display in this CoTCPcNa-AN-CNFs /H₂O₂ system.

Enhanced decomposition of dyes by hemin-ACF with significant improvement in pH tolerance and stability

In this study, we evaluated a novel heterogeneous catalytic system (hemin-ACF/H2O2) based on activated carbon fiber supported hemin for the rapid removal of dyes. Contrast experiments, effects of pH and temperature, and sustained catalytic stability of hemin-ACF for the catalytic decomposition of azo dye RR195 used as a model pollutant were investigated. Surprisingly, the introduction of ACF significantly enhanced the decomposition of dyes by hemin with an obvious improvement in pH tolerance and stability. Inhibition and probe studies combined with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) were conducted to ascertain the role of several radicals (OH, O2(-)/HO2, (1)O2 and Fe(IV)O) on dye degradation. ACF are rich in free electrons, and the π-conjugated macrocyclic structure of hemin may present convenient channels for the transfer of free electrons from the ACF, promoting the generation of hydroxyl radicals and high-valence iron species. These results are promising because they offer new insight for the application of hemin as a catalyzer upon treatment of organic pollutants and contribute to identification of the interaction between support material and catalyzer from a new perspective.

Facile and rapid synthesis of a dithiol-protected Ag7 quantum cluster for selective adsorption of cationic dyes

We report a facile and rapid (less than 15 min) synthesis of atomically precise, dithiol-protected, silver quantum cluster, Ag7(DMSA)4 (DMSA: meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid), through a modified solid state route. The as-synthesized cluster exhibits molecular optical absorption features with a prominent λmax at ~500 nm. Composition of the cluster was confirmed using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX). Clusters supported on neutral alumina have been shown as better adsorbents for selective adsorption of cationic dyes (over anionic dyes) from water. This selectivity for cationic dyes was evaluated by zeta potential (ζ) measurements. The efficiency of clusters for removal of dyes is very high when compared to nanoparticles (NPs) protected with ligands (citrate and mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA)) possessing similar chemical structures as that of DMSA. The higher efficiency of clusters for the removal of dyes is attributed to their smaller size and large surface area compared to the NPs in addition to favorable electrostatic interactions between the clusters and cationic dyes. Adsorption of dyes (cationic and anionic) was enhanced when dye molecules contain hydrogen bond forming functional groups. Supported clusters have been reused up to five cycles without the loss of activity once the adsorbed dye is extracted using suitable solvents.