Synthesis of nanoscale zero-valent iron/ordered mesoporous carbon for adsorption and synergistic reduction of nitrobenzene

Ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) was applied as the support for dispersion of nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI). NZVI/OMC possesses synergistic effects of adsorption and reduction for nitrobenzene removal. [Display omitted] ► NZVI supported on OMC is prepared through liquid phase reduction route. ► NZVI is kept dispersed well on the surface of carbon substrate. ► NZVI/OMC maintains ordered mesoporous structure. ► NZVI/OMC possesses synergistic effects of high adsorption capacity and significant reduction reactivity. ► NZVI/OMC shows excellent removal efficiency for NB. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) supported on ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) was synthesized through liquid phase reduction route. The NZVI/OMC composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption/desorption and transmission electron microscopy. Results reveal that the composite possesses ordered mesostructure with NZVI distributing homogeneously on the surface of OMC support. The removal effects of nitrobenzene (NB) in water with OMC, NZVI/OMC and non-supported NZVI were evaluated. Results indicate that NZVI/OMC shows enhanced removal efficiency, which is attributed to its adsorption and synergistic reduction for NB. The transformation process of NB was further investigated by HPLC. Nitrosobenzene and phenylhydroxylamine were detected as intermediate products and aniline was the final reductive product.