Activated bio-chars functionalization for photo-Fenton degradation of organic dyes

Abstract

Activated bio-chars were obtained from peanut shells, a waste from the local agricultural industry, which were suitable supports for iron species. These materials were evaluated as catalysts in photo-Fenton reactions for methyl orange degradation on aqueous solutions.
Supports and composites were physicochemically characterized by various techniques for better knowledge, finding a good interaction between the active phase and the support. Subsequently, they were evaluated in a batch system equipped with a Hg lamp where the catalysts showed good performance in the organic colorant degradation. Reuse was evaluated for the catalyst with the highest activity (CA-FeWI), showing a slight loss in photodegradation capacity. This behavior could be associated with iron leaching.