One-step synthesis of N-doped metal/biochar composite using NH3-ambiance pyrolysis for efficient degradation and mineralization of Methylene Blue
Md Manik Mian , Guijian Liu , Balal Yousaf , Biao Fu , Rafay Ahmed , Qumber Abbas , Mehr Ahmed Mujtaba Munir , Liu Ruijia
DOI:10.1016/j.jes.2018.06.014
Received April 28, 2018,Revised , Accepted June 20, 2018, Available online June 28, 2018
Volume 31,2019,Pages 29-41
A series of new biochar-supported composite based on the combination of biochar and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) were produced through single-step pyrolysis of FeCl3–Ti(OBu)4 laden agar biomass under NH3 environment. The physiochemical properties of composites were characterized thoroughly. It has found that heating temperature and N-doping through NH3-ambiance pyrolysis significantly influence the visible-light sensitivity and bandgap energy of composites. The catalytic activities of composites were measured by degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) in the presence or absence of H2O2 and visible-light irradiation. Our best catalyst (N–TiO2–Fe3O4-biochar) exhibits rapid and high MB removal competency (99.99%) via synergism of adsorption, photodegradation, and Fenton-like reaction. Continuous production of O2
− and OH radicles performs MB degradation and mineralization, confirmed by scavenging experiments and degradation product analysis. The local trap state Ti3 +, Fe3O4, and N-carbon of the catalyst acted as active sites. It has suggested that the Ti3 + and N-doped dense carbon layer improve charge separation and shuttle that prolonged photo-Fenton like reaction. Moreover, the catalyst is highly stable, collectible, and recyclable up to 5 cycles with high MB degradation efficiency. This work provides a new insight into the synthesis of highly visible-light sensitized biochar-supported photocatalyst through NH3-ambiance pyrolysis of NPs-laden biomass.
