Enhanced abiotic integrated polyphenol-Maillard humification by Mg/Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH): Role of Fe(III)-polyphenol complexation

Abstract

Abiotic humification can be facilitated by iron-containing minerals or oxides, but most studies have focused on well-crystallized and stable iron phases, the catalytic effect of which is generally unremarkable. In the present study, we report an enhanced abiotic integrated polyphenol-Maillard humification reaction catalysed by Mg/Fe-layered double hydroxide (Mg/Fe-LDH) with high surface reactivity. The results demonstrated that Mg/Fe-LDH could effectively promote the humification reaction at a lower dosage compared with Fe2O3. As an iron-chelating ligand, catechol rapidly induced iron dissolution from Mg/Fe-LDH through the formation of an Fe(III)-catechol complex, which strengthened the catalytic effect of Fe(III). The photochemical behaviour of Fe(III)-catechol complex and its impact on the Fe(III)-catalysed humification process were investigated. Under light irradiation, environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) originated from the Fe(III)-catechol complex were formed and stabilized in the presence of Mg/Fe-LDH particles, which inhibited the oxidation of catechol and the humification process. Hence, the formation of humic substances (HS) catalysed by Mg/Fe-LDH was more efficient under darkness. Iron redox cycling and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), HO• and O2•-, were also involved. According to transformation products (TPs) analysis, ortho-aminophenol was proposed to be a key product in the humification reaction. Self-coupling of catechol radical and ortho-aminophenol radical, ring cleavage were likely to occur in the Fe(III)-catalysed humification process. Higher relative abundance of CHO products was observed in the presence of Mg/Fe-LDH by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), suggesting that iron is effective on promoting C–C bonds formation. The above results provide more comprehensive insights into Fe(III)-catalysed humification and a guidance to improve the efficiency of HS formation and carbon sequestration in organic wastes utilization.