Boron doping positively enhances the catalytic activity of carbon materials for the removal of bisphenol A. Issue 34 (8th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yi, Hong; Huo, Xiaowei; Gu, Jinhong; Wei, Lei; Sun, Zhenping; Du, Fuxiang; Dai, Chao; Wu, Xiongfei; Liu, Zhiguang; Ren, Jian
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 12:Issue 34(2022)
• Page Start: 21780
• Page End: 21792
• Publication Date: 2022-08-08
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d2ra02703h
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Boron-doped carbon materials, based on coffee grounds, sodium bicarbonate and boric acid, were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal process. The ability of a boron-doped carbon material/persulfate system to remove bisphenol A was systematically studied. Abstract : Boron-doped carbon materials (BCs), low-cost and environmentally friendly carbocatalysts, were prepared for the activation of persulfate (PS) for the removal of bisphenol A (BPA). Compared with B-free carbon materials (Cs), the adsorption and catalytic activity were significantly enhanced by the boron modification. Fast and efficient removal of BPA was achieved using the BCs/PS system. The BPA removal rate constant increased linearly with the adsorption capacity of BCs. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and radical quenching experiments indicated that the degradation mechanisms in the BCs/PS system were different from conventional radical-based oxidation pathways. On the contrary, nonradical pathways were demonstrated to dominate the oxidation processes in the removal of BPA using the BCs/PS system. Herein, a mechanism is proposed where PS is activated by the carbon material to form a reactive electron-deficient carbocatalyst ([BCs]*) complex with a high redox potential, driving a nonradical oxidation pathway to achieve BPA removal. Through experimental investigation and the use of electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, Tafel corrosion analysis and open circuit voltages), B-doped carbon materials for the activation of PS elevate the potential of the derived nonradical [BCs]* complexes, and then accelerate the BPA removal efficiency via an electron transfer process. Utilizing adsorption and nonradical oxidation processes, the BCs/PS system possesses great potential for the removal of BPA in practical applications such as wastewater treatment.