Iron complexes of tetra-amido macrocyclic ligands (Fe-TAML) are recognized to be effective catalysts for the degradation of a wide range of organic contaminants in homogeneous conditions with the high valent Fe(IV) and Fe(V) species generated on activation of the Fe-TAML complex by hydrogen peroxide (HO) recognized to be powerful oxidants. Electrochemical activation of Fe-TAML would appear an attractive alternative to HO activation, especially if the Fe-TAML complex could be attached to the anode, as this would enable formation of high valent iron species at the anode and, importantly, retention of the valuable Fe-TAML complex within the reaction system. In this work, we affix Fe-TAML to the surface of carbon black particles and apply this "suspension anode" process to oxidize selected target compounds via generation of high valent iron species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFerryl ion ([FeO]) has often been suggested to play a role in iron-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) with its presence commonly determined using the unique oxidation pathway from methyl phenyl sulfoxide (PMSO) to methyl phenyl sulfone (PMSO). However, we show here that the oxidation products of PMSO, formed on reaction with hydroxyl radical, enhance PMSO formation as a result of their complexation with Fe(III) leading to the changes in the reactivity of Fe(III) species in the homogeneous Fenton reaction. As such, PMSO should be used with caution to investigate the role of [FeO] in iron-based AOPs with these insights suggesting the need to reassess the findings of many previous studies in which this reagent was used.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFReduced graphene oxide (rGO) is one of the most widely used carbon nanomaterials. When it is released into the environment, rGO can markedly affect the transformation of many pollutants, and change their fate and risk. In this work, the synergetic effects of rGO and Cu(II) on the oxidation of 2-naphthol were examined in water in the dark.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeavy metal pollution is a major concern of the public due to their threats to the safety of food chains. A 60-day pot experiment was conducted using Macleaya cordata as plant material to investigate the phytoremediation potential and anti-oxidative responses of M. cordata under different Cd stress.
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