Activation of sulfite by ferric ion for the degradation of 2,4,6-tribromophenol with the addition of sulfite in batches

In this work, the removal of 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP) by ferric ion-activated sulfite [Fe(III)/S(IV)] process was systematically investigated with determining the intermediate products and evaluating the influences of some operational conditions and water matrices. Our results show that batching addition of S(IV) benefits the S(IV) utilization efficiency and TBP removal, with SO₄^?? being the primary reactive radical accounting for TBA degradation. The maximum TBP removal in the Fe(III)/S(IV) process was observed at pH 4.0 and oxygen is essential in this process. With increasing Fe(III) and S(IV) dosages from 0.05 and 0.1 mmol/L to 0.2 and 2.0 mmol/L, respectively, TBP removal followed trends of first increase then decrease. As the acute toxicity of the TBP solution was significantly reduced, the Fe(III)/S(IV) process was believed to be a good choice in the treatment of TBP.     

Amplification effects of magnetic field on hydroxylamine-promoted ZVI/H2O2 near-neutral Fenton like system

This study has demonstrated an interesting amplification effect of magnetic field（MF） on the hydroxylamine（HA）-promoted zero valent iron（ZVI）/H2 O₂ Fenton-like system.Sulfamethoxazole（SMX） could be efficiently degraded at near neutral pH.Conditional parameters affecting the SMX degradation in the ZVI/H₂ O₂/HA/MF system,e.g.,pH and the dosages of ZVI,HA and H₂ O₂,were investigated.Unlike the acid-favorable ZVI/H₂ O₂ and ...     

Fe(III)-pyruvate and Fe(III)-citrate induced photodegradation of glyphosate in aqueous solutions

The photolysis of Fe(III)-pyruvate and Fe(III)-citrate complexes in water produces hydroxyl radicals in the presence of dissolved oxygen, and can promote the oxidation of organic compounds. The photodegradation of glyphosate with Fe(III)-pyruvate and Fe(III)-citrate complexes was investigated under irradiation at λ?≥?365?nm. The effect of initial concentration of glyphosate, the initial pH value, and the Fe(III)/carboxylate ratio were examined. Upon irradiation of glyphosate aqueous solution with the complexes in the acidic range of natural waters, the bioavailable orthophosphate could be released from degradation of glyphosate. The amount of orthophosphate increased with increasing Fe(III)/carboxylate ratio.     

Enhanced degradation of organic contaminants by Fe(III)/peroxymonosulfate process with l-cysteine

The difficulty in Fe(III)/Fe(II) conversion in the Fe(III)/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process limits its efficiency and application. Herein, l-cysteine (Cys), a green natural organic ligand with reducing capability, was innovatively introduced into Fe(III)/PMS to construct an excellent Cys/Fe(III)/PMS process. The Cys/Fe(III)/PMS process, at room temperature, can degrade a variety of organic contaminants, including dyes, phenolic compounds, and pharmaceuticals. In subsequent experiments with acid orange 7 (AO7), the AO7 degradation efficiency followed pseudo-first-order kinetic which exhibited an initial “fast stage” and a second “slow stage”. The rate constant values ranged depending on the initial Cys, Fe(III), PMS, and AO7 concentrations, reaction temperature, and pH values. In addition, the presence of Cl^?, NO₃^?, and SO₄^2? had negligible impact while HCO₃^? and humic acid inhibited the degradation of AO7. Furthermore, radical scavenger experiments and methyl phenyl sulfoxide (PMSO) transformation assay indicated that sulfate radical, hydroxyl radical, and ferryl ion (Fe(IV)) were the dominant reactive species involved in the Cys/Fe(III)/PMS process. Finally, based on the results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, several AO7 degradation pathways, including N=N cleavage, hydroxylation, and ring opening were proposed. This study provided a new insight to improve the efficiency of Fe(III)/PMS process by accelerating Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle with Cys.     

Enhancing photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide through incorporation of MIL‐53(Fe) toward degradation of organic dye

Photocatalytic activity of titanium(IV) oxide (TiO₂) can be enhanced through modification of its surface‐active sites. Here, iron(III) carboxylate [MIL‐53[Fe]]‐incorporated TiO₂ (as MIL‐53(Fe)/TiO₂) was prepared using a hydrothermal method. This material was then calcined at 500°C to obtain a MIL‐53(Fe)‐derived γ‐Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ photocatalyst. A photocatalytic study of MIL‐53(Fe)/TiO₂ and MIL‐53(Fe)‐derived γ‐Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ toward cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic methyl orange (MO) showed that MIL‐53(Fe)/TiO₂ (0.25 wt%) and MIL‐53(Fe)‐derived γ‐Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ (0.75 wt%) resulted the best degree of dye degradation. The MIL‐53(Fe)‐derived γ‐Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ (0.75 wt%) composite for instance is capable of degrading almost 100% of 20‐ppm MB and MO, respectively, within 6 hr. Photocatalytic degradation of MB and MO was well fitted to the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood pseudo‐first order kinetics model, which indicates physisorption as the key partway that facilitates dye decomposition on the surface of a photocatalyst under UV‐A irradiation. This study provides new insights into the exploration of MILs/TiO₂ materials for the environmental remediation and pollution control.     

Insight into the degradation of a manganese(III)-citrate complex in aqueous solutions

Kinetics of the electron transfer process between citrates and manganese(III) ions has been studied in acidic aqueous solutions. Acidification of the reaction mixture increased the reaction rate. The reaction is dependent on pH because there are two main protolytic forms of the Mn(III)-citrate complex in the studied pH range (4.5–6.5). Reduction potentials of Mn(III)/Mn(II) system in acidic and basic solutions as well as protolytic equilibria play a crucial role in understanding the pH profile of the studied system. The rate constants for Mn(III)citH and Mn(III)citH₂⁺ species degradation processes are presented (citH³⁻ and citH₂²⁻ are trivalent and divalent anions of citric acid, citH₄, respectively). Protolytic constant (expressed as pK′_a) for Mn(III)citH protonation is estimated and discussed.     

Volumetric determination of uranium in a mixture of uranium and plutonium employing Fe(III) as titrant

Summary A method for the determination of U in the presence of Pu based on the reduction of U to U(IV) and Pu to Pu(III) by zinc amalgam followed by oxidimetry of U(IV) has been developed. Fe(III) perchlorate was chosen as the most suitable titrant for the selective oxidation of U(IV) as conventional oxidising titrants fail in the presence of Pu(III). The potentiometric titration of U(IV) with Fe(III) is known to be slow. This problem, however, has been overcome by selecting a suitable buffer medium and complexing agent to alter the potentials of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) and U(VI)/U(IV) systems in the favourable direction. Results of the titration of U(IV) with Fe(III) at pH 2 in the presence of ferrozine as complexing agent for Fe(II) are summarized. R.S.D. obtained for twenty determinations of 3–5 mg of U was 0.3 % in the presence of 1–4 mg of Pu.

---

Volumetrische Bestimmung von Uran in einem U/Pu-Gemisch mit Hilfe von Fe(III)

Zusammenfassung Das Verfahren beruht auf der Reduktion von U zu U(IV) und Pu zu Pu(III) mit Hilfe von Zinkamalgam und anschließender Titration mit Fe(III)-perchlorat. Dieses Reagens hat sich für die selektive Oxidation des U(IV) am besten bewährt, da andere Oxidationsmittel in Gegenwart von Pu(III) versagen. Die Endpunktsindikation erfolgt potentiometrisch, wobei die an sich langsame Einstellung des Endpunktes dadurch beschleunigt wird, daß durch Zusatz eines geeigneten Puffers und eines Komplexierungsmittels (Ferrozin) für Fe(II) die Redoxpotentiale von Fe(III)/Fe(II) und U(VI)/U(IV) entsprechend verschoben werden. Die relative Standardabweichung für die Bestimmung von 3–5 mg U in Gegenwart von 1–4 mg Pu liegt bei 0,3%.

     

Role of oxygen in the degradation of atrazine by UV/Fe(III) process

In this study, the role of oxygen in the regeneration of Fe(III) during the degradation of atrazine in UV/Fe(III) process was studied. The degradations of atrazine in UV/Fe(III) and UV-photolysis processes in the presence and absence of oxygen were compared. The results showed that the degradations of atrazine in these processes followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics well. The process exhibiting the highest rate constant (k) was UV/Fe(III)/air process, because k-value for UV/Fe(III)/air process was about 1.47, 2.23 and 2.56 times of those for UV/Fe(III)/N₂, UV/air and UV/N₂ processes, respectively. The degradation of atrazine was enhanced by oxygen in UV/Fe(III) process and the enhancement was more remarkable at higher initial concentrations of Fe(III). The investigation into the changes of Fe(III) concentrations demonstrated that the presence of oxygen led to the regeneration of Fe(III), which resulted in the enhancement of atrazine degradation. With air bubbling, the ferric ions were 25% more than those with N₂ bubbling. The experimental data showed the regeneration of Fe(III) required the excited organic molecules and oxygen and on the basis of these results, the regeneration mechanism of Fe(III) was proposed. It was also found that due to the oxidation of Fe(II), the degradation of atrazine in UV/Fe(II)/air process was effective at a low Fe(II) concentration of 7 mg/L, similar to that in UV/Fe(III)/air process. This study makes clear the role of oxygen in the regeneration of Fe(III), and thus it provides a guide to reduce the input of Fe(III) and is helpful to the application of UV/Fe(III) process in practice.     

Catalytic cross-coupling of aniline by pyrite and dissolved oxygen under alkaline conditions

Pyrite catalyzes oxidation of various organic contaminants by dissolved oxygen (DO) under acidic conditions; however, the catalytic mechanism under alkaline conditions is still not clear. In this study, we observe increased oxidation rates of aniline with increasing pHs (7.0–11.0). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis and quenching experiments rule out contributions of •OH, O₂^•−, ¹O₂ and Fe (IV) to aniline oxidation and suggest that the Fe (III)–OOH peroxo and/or H₂O₂ are the primary oxidative species in the oxidation of aniline at pH 11.0. In addition, 200 mg L⁻¹ H₂O₂ does not apparently increase the oxidation rate of aniline, which also rules out the predominant contribution of the produced H₂O₂ to aniline oxidation. We therefore suggest that the Fe (III)–OOH peroxo is indeed the primary oxidative species in the pyrite–DO system under alkaline conditions. Analyses of solid total organic carbon (TOC), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy further reveal that more than 83.3% aniline has been polymerized to polyaniline, instead of being mineralized into CO₂ and H₂O, indicating that H-abstraction from aniline by the Fe (III)–OOH peroxo is an important step in the oxidation of aniline under alkaline conditions. This study provides new insight into the oxidative species in the pyrite–DO system, and opens a new door for organic degradations under alkaline conditions.     

Improved Photocatalytic Activity and Stability of Nano‐sized Ag/Ag2CO3 Plasmonic Photocatalyst by Surface Modification of Fe(III) Nanocluster

The surface modification of Ag/Ag₂CO₃ with Fe(III) ions has been achieved through simply photoreduction‐impregnation method. The obtained products were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy. Under visible‐light irradiation (γ>420 nm), the Fe(III)/Ag/Ag₂CO₃ sample displays a higher photocatalytic activity and stability than pure Ag₂CO₃ and Ag/Ag₂CO₃ samples for the degradation of methyl orange (MO). The improved photocatalytic activity and stability of this ternary system could be ascribed to the synergetic effect between Ag nanoparticles and Fe(III) nanocluster. The metallic Ag nanoparticles cause an obviously enhanced visible‐light absorption to produce more photogenerated charges, while the Fe(III) works as an active site for the following oxygen reduction to reduce the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes.     

Locating redox couples in the layered sulfides with application to Cu[Cr2]S4

Use of LiPF₆ in EC:DEC as electrolyte has allowed electrochemical extraction of Li from LiV_1−yM_yS₂ and LiTi_1−yM_yS₂ (M=Cr or Fe). The data show access not only to the Ti(IV)/Ti(III) and V(IV)/V(III) redox couples, but also to the V(V)/V(IV) and Fe(III)/Fe(II) couples in these layered sulfides. However, the Cr(IV)/Cr(III) couple could not be accessed. The concept of redox-couple pinning is outlined and applied to the V(V)/V(IV) and Fe(III)/Fe(II) couples, which are pinned at the top of the S-3p bands. Holes associated with the “pinned” couples occupy orbitals of dominant S-3p character, but they have sufficient cation-3d character to prevent condensation of the holes into p-p antibonding states of disulfide bonds. Strong covalent bonding in the pinned couples creates itinerant-electron states in the partially occupied couples. Application to the metallic, ferromagnetic thiospinel Cu[Cr₂]S₄ favors location of the itinerant holes in states of a pinned Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple having primarily S-3p character.     

Fe (III)‐grafted Bi2MoO6 nanoplates for enhanced photocatalytic activities on tetracycline degradation and HMF oxidation

Fe (III)‐grafted Bi₂MoO₆ nanoplates (Fe (III)/BMO) with varying small quantity of Fe (III) clusters modification were fabricated through a simple hydrothermal and impregnation process. The characterization results indicate that the modification of Fe (III) clusters on the surface of Bi₂MoO₆ nanoplates with intimate interfacial contact is beneficial to the expansion of visible light absorption range and the separation of photoinduced carriers during the interface charge transfer process. The photocatalytic properties of the samples were studied by degradation of tetracycline (TC) and selective aerobic oxidation of biomass‐derived chemical 5‐hydroxymethylfuraldehyde (HMF) under visible light. The 1.5 wt% Fe (III) clusters‐grafted Bi₂MoO₆ nanoplates exhibited optimum photocatalytic activity, which is the TC degradation kinetic rate constant is 5.3 times higher than that of bare BMO, and the highest HMF conversion of 32.62% can be obtained with a selectivity of 95.30%. Furthermore, a possible visible light photocatalysis mechanism over Fe (III)/BMO sample has been proposed. This study may supply some insight for the development of visible‐light‐driven Bi₂MoO₆‐based photocatalysts applicable to both environmental remediation and biomass‐derived chemical transformation.     

Cyclic voltammetric study of the redox behavior of Fe(II)/Fe(III) systems forming during the oxidation of Fe(II) complexes with saccharin and with saccharin and 1,10-phenanthroline

The electrochemical redox behavior of Fe(II)/Fe(III) systems formed during the oxidation of complexes [Fe(C₇H₄NO₃S)₂(H₂O)₄] · 2H₂O (Fe-sac) and [Fe(C₇H₄NO₃S)₂(C₁₂H₈N₂] · 2H₂O (Fe-sac-phen) have been investigated using cyclic voltammetry in the aqueous medium. In the CVs one pair of well-defined cathodic and anodic peaks appear for the transfer of single electron in the Fe-sac complex. The peak potentials are much wider separated as compared with the free (uncoordinated) Fe(II)/Fe(III) system. The ΔE values demonstrate that the electrode process is irreversible. In the presence of secondary ligand, 1,10-phenanthroline (Fe-sac-phen complex), the redox behavior of iron complexes is quasireversible. The effect of pH on the redox behavior of iron system is studied in acetate buffer. Published in Russian in Elektrokhimiya, 2008, Vol. 44, No. 12, pp. 1504–1509. The text was submitted by author in English     

Calcium Sulfite Solids Activated by Iron for Enhancing As(III) Oxidation in Water

Desulfurized gypsum (DG) as a soil modifier imparts it with bulk solid sulfite. The Fe(III)–sulfite process in the liquid phase has shown great potential for the rapid removal of As(III), but the performance and mechanism of this process using DG as a sulfite source in aqueous solution remains unclear. In this work, employing solid CaSO₃ as a source of SO₃²⁻, we have studied the effects of different conditions (e.g., pH, Fe dosage, sulfite dosage) on As(III) oxidation in the Fe(III)–CaSO₃ system. The results show that 72.1% of As(III) was removed from solution by centrifugal treatment for 60 min at near-neutral pH. Quenching experiments have indicated that oxidation efficiencies of As(III) are due at 67.5% to HO^•, 17.5% to SO₅^•− and 15% to SO₄^•−. This finding may have promising implications in developing a new cost-effective technology for the treatment of arsenic-containing water using DG.     

Degradation of trichloroethylene in aqueous solution by persulfate activated with Fe(III)–EDDS complex

In this study, an environmentally friendly complexing agent, S,S′-ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS), was applied in Fe(III)-mediated activation of persulfate (PS), and the degradation performance of trichloroethylene (TCE) was investigated. The effects of PS concentration, Fe(III)/EDDS molar ratio, and inorganic anions on TCE degradation were evaluated, and the generated reactive oxygen species responsible for TCE removal were identified. The results showed that nearly complete TCE degradation was achieved with PS of 15.0 mM and a molar ratio of Fe(III)/EDDS of 4:1. An increase in PS concentration or Fe(III)/EDDS molar ratio to a certain value resulted in enhanced TCE degradation. All of the anions (Cl^?, HCO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?, and NO ₃ ^? ) at tested concentrations had negative effects on TCE removal. In addition, investigations using radical probe compounds and radical scavengers revealed that sulfate radicals (SO ₄ ^·? ), hydroxyl radicals (^·OH), and superoxide radical anions (O ₂ ^·? ) were all generated in the Fe(III)–EDDS/PS system, and ^·OH was the primary radical responsible for TCE degradation. In conclusion, the Fe(III)–EDDS-activated PS process is a promising technique for TCE-contaminated groundwater remediation.     

UV/Fe(Ⅲ)-富马酸盐体系降解对硝基苯酚

研究了在紫外光(UV)照射下,Fe(Ⅲ)-富马酸盐体系对p-硝基苯酚(PNP)的光降解反应,考察了溶液pH、Fe(Ⅲ)、富马酸盐和PNP的初始浓度对PNP降解率的影响。结果表明,UV/Fe(Ⅲ)-富马酸盐体系对PNP有光降解作用,相比于只含Fe(Ⅲ)或者富马酸盐体系,同时加入Fe(Ⅲ)与富马酸盐构成的体系在降解PNP方面有协同作用。在pH 3.0~6.0范围内,PNP的降解率随着pH和PNP初始浓度的增大而降低,而随着Fe(Ⅲ)和富马酸盐的初始浓度的增大而增大。氯仿猝灭法证实,该体系在降解PNP反应过程中产生了超氧负离子自由基;采用荧光法和异丙醇猝灭法证实了该体系在反应过程中产生了羟基自由基,同时证实了羟基自由基为PNP光降解反应的主要反应物质。     

A Piezo-Fenton System with Rapid Iron Cycling and Hydrogen Peroxide Self-Supply Driven by Ultrasound

The piezo-Fenton system has attracted attention not only because it can enhance the Fenton reaction activity by mechanical energy input, but also because it is expected to realize a class of stimuli-responsive advanced oxidation systems by regulating energy input and hydrogen peroxide self-supply, thus greatly enriching the application possibilities of Fenton chemistry. In this work, a series of Fe-doped g-C₃N₄ (g-C₃N₄-Fe) as a piezo-Fenton system were synthesized where the iron stably immobilized through Fe−N interaction. The piezo-induced electrons generate on g-C₃N₄ matrix support the conversion of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and promote rate-limiting step of Fenton reaction. With the optimal Fe loading, g-C₃N₄-0.5Fe can achieve methylene blue (MB) degradation under ultrasonic treatment with first-order kinetic rate constants of 75×10⁻³ min⁻¹. Most importantly, the g-C₃N₄-Fe can maintain good catalytic activity in a wide pH range (pH=2.0∼9.0) and be cyclic used without iron leaching to solution (<0.001 μg ⋅ L⁻¹), overcoming the disadvantage of traditional Fe-based Fenton catalysts that can only be applied under acidic conditions and prone to secondary pollution. In addition, g-C₃N₄-0.5Fe also exhibits antibacterial properties of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under ultrasound. Hydroxyl radicals mainly contribute to the degradation of MB and the sterilization process. Our work is an attempt to clarify the role of g-C₃N₄-Fe in the conversion of mechanical energy to ROS and provide inspirations for the piezo-Fenton system design.     

Solvent extraction of several metal ions with mercaptotropone

Mercaptotropone was synthesized from tropone, and its acid dissociation constant (K_a) and distribution coefficient (K_D) between benze and aqueous solution were spectrophotometrically determined as 5.75 (pK_a) and 2.46 (log K_D); Extraction behaviour of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), Cr(III), Fe(III), Y(III), and Zr(IV) with this reagent into benzene was examined. Cu(II) and Fe(III) were completely extracted from acidic solution, Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), and Zr(IV) were also extracted from intermediate pH region, a part of Cr(III) was extracted, but Y(III) was not extracted.     

Synthesis and properties of titanomagnetite (Fe3−xTixO4) nanoparticles: A tunable solid-state Fe(II/III) redox system

Titanomagnetite (Fe_3−xTi_xO₄) nanoparticles were synthesized by room temperature aqueous precipitation, in which Ti(IV) replaces Fe(III) and is charge compensated by conversion of Fe(III) to Fe(II) in the unit cell. A comprehensive suite of tools was used to probe composition, structure, and magnetic properties down to site-occupancy level, emphasizing distribution and accessibility of Fe(II) as a function of x. Synthesis of nanoparticles in the range 0 ? x ? 0.6 was attempted; Ti, total Fe and Fe(II) content were verified by chemical analysis. TEM indicated homogeneous spherical 9-12 nm particles. μ-XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy on anoxic aqueous suspensions verified the inverse spinel structure and Ti(IV) incorporation in the unit cell up to x ? 0.38, based on Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio deduced from the unit cell edge and Mössbauer spectra. Nanoparticles with a higher value of x possessed a minor amorphous secondary Fe(II)/Ti(IV) phase. XANES/EXAFS indicated Ti(IV) incorporation in the octahedral sublattice (B-site) and proportional increases in Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio. XA/XMCD indicated that increases arise from increasing B-site Fe(II), and that these charge-balancing equivalents segregate to those B-sites near particle surfaces. Dissolution studies showed that this segregation persists after release of Fe(II) into solution, in amounts systematically proportional to x and thus the Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio. A mechanistic reaction model was developed entailing mobile B-site Fe(II) supplying a highly interactive surface phase that undergoes interfacial electron transfer with oxidants in solution, sustained by outward Fe(II) migration from particle interiors and concurrent inward migration of charge-balancing cationic vacancies in a ratio of 3:1.     

Electrochemical characterization of the redox couple of Fe(III)/Fe(II) mediated by grafted polymer reference electrode (GPRE)

A grafted polymer reference electrode (GPRE) (polystyrene grafted with acrylonitrile as a monomer using gamma irradiation) was fabricated as a reference electrode using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The redox process of K₃Fe(CN)₆ during CV was studied. It was found that the redox current peaks of Fe(II)/Fe(III) in 0.1 M of KCl as supporting electrolyte is given the same oxidation–reduction current as in the Ag/AgCl reference electrode, indicating a good result of GPRE and, hence, it can be used for voltammetric analysis technique. The physical properties of GPRE include good hardness, insoluble in non-aqueous electrolytes (except dimethyl formamide and chloroform), and good stability at different solvents. In addition, the sensitivity under conditions of CV is significantly dependent on the scan rate (SR) and variation in concentration. At different SRs, redox peaks of K₃Fe(CN)₆ were observed in a reversible process: Fe(II)/Fe(III). Interestingly, the redox reaction of Fe(II)/Fe(III) solution using GCE versus GPRE remains constant even after 15 cyclings. It is therefore evident that the GPRE possesses some degree of stability. Also, the new reference electrode GPRE has improved the properties of electroanalysis of CV on the working electrode GCE in reliability with the relative standard deviation.