Removal of P-Nitrophenol by Nano Zero Valent Iron-Cobalt and Activated Persulfate Supported onto Activated Carbon

Abstract

P-nitrophenol (PNP), a highly toxic carcinogen, is very stable due to its benzene structure. Advanced oxidation technology is becoming the main means for degrading it. A nano iron-cobalt (Co-nZVI) catalyst, supported by granular activated carbon (GAC), was prepared using liquid-phase reduction, and sodium persulfate’s (PS’s) potential to degrade PNP was studied. The Co-nZVI/GAC nanocomposites were classified, and effects of PS dosage, Co-nZVI/GAC dosage, material system type, PNP concentration, initial pH, and material reuse rate on the reaction were investigated. Activated carbon successfully supported iron and cobalt. At 1 mmol/L of PS, the maximum PNP degradation rate was 99.19%, which was unachievable at other dosages. With only Co-nZVI/GAC present, the rate was 69.8%; with activated persulfate present, it increased to 99.19%. The activated PS system was relatively stable under acidic conditions. Catalysis was induced by adding Co-nZVI/GAC (1.5 g/L). When added four times, the catalytic rate was 57%. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) showed that PNP degradation involves the transfer of PNP to p-benzoquinone (PBQ), the main activators being iron(II) and iron(III) and the key active substances being sulfate (SO42−) and hydroxide (·OH). In conclusion, Co-nZVI/GAC-activated PS effectively removes PNP.