Degradation of phenol and sulfamethoxazole with persulfate and ozone with nano‐MnO2–biochar composites

BACKGROUNDIn this study, nano‐MnO2–biochar composites were synthesized as catalysts to promote the oxidation of recalcitrant organic contaminants. MnO2 nanoparticles coated on biochar were hypothesized to enhance the oxidation of phenol and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) using ozone and/or persulfate.RESULTSThe optimal percentage of MnO2 coating on the surface of biochar was determined, and the synthesis of nano‐MnO2‐coated biochar was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction and EDS line mapping analyses. Compared with oxidation using ozone or persulfate in the presence of either nano‐MnO2 or biochar, the synthesized nano‐MnO2–biochar composite markedly enhanced the oxidation of phenol and SMX. This was probably due to the spreading of MnO2 nanorods on the surface of biochar and the synergistic involvement of nano‐MnO2 and biochar as catalysts. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the involvement of Mn3+ in MnO2 to promote oxidation using ozone or persulfate. The coexistence of ozone and persulfate could also promote oxidation. Hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and persulfate radicals (SO4−•) were major reactive oxygen species for ozone and persulfate systems, respectively.CONCLUSIONResults suggest that the synthesized nano‐MnO2–biochar composites may be effective catalysts for various types of advanced oxidation processes in environmental remediation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).