Efficient degradation of levofloxacin using peroxymonosulfate activated by a novel magnetic catalyst derived from waste walnut shell biomass

Abstract

Developing an economical and efficient catalyst derived from biochar and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade pollutants holds promise for practical applications. Herein, a simple in-situ synthesis method was designed to generate zeolitic imidazole framework with Co-based (ZIF-67) on the surface of waste walnut shell biomass, and novel derived magnetic catalysts (BC@CobC, Biochar@Co base Carbon) were obtained by high-temperature carbonization. This structure could avoid the drawbacks of structural collapse and particle agglomeration of MOF derivatives, while the presence of biochar could accelerate electron transfer and improve the activation performance. For the degradation of levofloxacin, the removal rate in the 0.5-BC@CobC/PMS system reached 89.88 % in 15 min with a mineralization of 60.43 % when the dosage of catalyst was 0.01 g L−1. Capture experiments and EPR tests showed that SO4−•, •OH, •O2− and 1O2 were jointly participated in the levofloxacin degradation process. Meanwhile, the BC@CobC/PMS system was minimally affected by the pH, co-existing inorganic anions, and natural active substances. It is worth noting that the BC@CobC/PMS system also had excellent removal effect on other typical organic pollutants, and the removal rate could reach 100 %. Cycling experiments showed that BC@CobC maintained high catalytic activity after multiple recycling. The degradation pathway of levofloxacin was also analyzed. Compared to the existing reports, the catalyst is economically superior, with much improved pollutant removal, and boasts a lower catalyst usage. This work will provide a viable idea in terms of reusing biomass waste and activating PMS for wastewater treatment.