Reduction of nitrobenzene by steel convert slag with Fe(II) system: the role of calcium in steel slag.

Experiments were conducted to examine of nitrobenzene reduction by steel convert slag (SCS) with Fe(II) system. The results showed SCS with Fe(II) was an effective reductant for nitrobenzene at pH 5.5-6.5. Further analysis suggested Fe(II) was adsorbed by SCS through ion replacement with SCS-bound Ca(II). More than 81% of the total Ca(II) in SCS was replaced with dissolved Fe(II), indicating a high adsorption capacity for Fe(II) (more than 5.82 mmol Fe(II)/g SCS). A three step mechanism (replacement process, conversion process and electron transfer process) was proposed for nitrobenzene reduction by SCS with Fe(II) system. The amount of Ca(II) in SCS determined the adsorption capacity for Fe(II) and further determined the reduction capacity of SCS with Fe(II) system.