Catalytic degradation of crystal violet and methyl orange in heterogeneous Fenton-like processes

Metals-loaded (Fe3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) activated carbons (M@AC) with different loading ratios (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 5% and 10%) were prepared and employed for catalytic degradation of dye model compounds (crystal violet (CV) and methyl orange (MO)) in wastewater by heterogeneous Fenton-like technique. Compared with Cu@AC and Zn@AC, 0.5% Fe3+ loaded AC (0.5Fe@AC) had better catalytic activity for dyes degradation. The effects of dyes initial concentration, catalyst dosage, pH and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) volume on the catalytic degradation process were investigated. Cyclic performance, stability of 0.5Fe@AC and iron leaching were explored. Degradation kinetics were well fitted to the pseudo-second-order model (Langmuir-Hinshelwood). Almost complete decolorization (99.7%) of 400 mg L−1 CV was achieved after 30 min reaction under the conditions of CV volume (30 mL), catalyst dosage (0.05 g), H2O2 volume (1 mL) and pH (7.7). Decolorization of MO reached 98.2% under the same conditions. The abilities of pyrolysis char (PC) of dyeing sludge (DS) and metal loaded carbon to remove dye pollutants were compared. The intermediate products were analyzed and the possible degradation pathway was proposed. This study provided an insight into catalytic degradation of triphenylmethane- and aromatic azo-based substances, and utilization of sludge char. [Display omitted] •0.5% Fe@AC had better catalytic activity for the degradation of CV and MO.•Influencing factors of dyes degradation and catalyst recycling were explored.•Degradation of dyes fitted second-order kinetic equation of model.•Degradation kinetics was fitted second-order model and almost all degradation for 30min.•The possible degradation pathways of CV and MO were proposed.