Work

Transforming waste to purity: 3D electro-Fenton process boosted with pistachio shell-derived iron-biochar electrode for methyl violet 2B dye catalytic removal

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Traditional degradation methods with typical catalysts which have limited negatively charged surfaces are not effectively degrade cationic dyes. A multi-functional iron-biochar was prepared from waste pistachio shells (Fe@PSB) that offers enhanced dye removal due to abundance of negatively charged sites for the degradation of the carcinogenic dye known as methyl violet 2B (MV 2B) in a cutting-edge three-dimensional electrochemical Fenton system (3DEF) with graphite (GP) cathode and Titanium (Ti) anode (3DEF-Ti/GP). Catalytic properties of Fe@PSB were explored for MV 2B dye degradation at broad acidic pH range. At optimum operating conditions of the current of 2.0 A, pH 5.0, and Na 2 SO 4 dose of 0.2 M, nearly 98.8 % of 10 mg/L MV 2B dye removal was attained in 60 min of electrolysis time. Commercial particle electrodes did not perform as well for the MV 2B dye degradation. The catalytic mechanism of 3DEF-Ti/GP system was investigated by quenching experiments which revealed that the hydroxyl radical ( • OH) was responsible for the oxidation of dye molecules. Fe@PSB significantly performed up to four successful cycles. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that de-methylation was the primary degradation pathway. This unique approach not only valorizes agricultural waste but also paving the way for greener environmental solutions.

Source: Desalination and Water Treatment

DOI: 10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100845