Enhancing trichloroethylene dechlorination capacity by utilizing granular ceramic material derived from Fe0-carbon-kaolin nanocomposite as substrate filter

Abstract

In this study, we present a novel approach to fabricate a granular ceramic material utilizing a composite of nano zero-valent iron (nZVI), carbon, and kaolin. The optimal mass ratio of the prepared material was kaolin, nZVI, activated carbon, and appropriate additives = 40%:40%:10%:10%. The resulting composite demonstrated microelectrolysis effects, enhancing its reactivity for pollutant removal. Activated carbon within the composite significantly increased the interlayer spacing of kaolin, and improved material performance. Furthermore, the addition of activated carbon proved effective in preventing the agglomeration of nZVI, and ensuring a stable and efficient pollutant removal process. The results of 40-day column experiments showed that nano iron-carbon-kaolin micro-electrolysis particles (NIMP) consistently demonstrated stable trichloroethane (TCE) removal with an average removal rate of 88.15 ± 3.24%. Batch experiments confirmed that the synthesized material can achieve complete dechlorination of TCE, which was consistent with density functional theory calculations. The developed material exhibited a robust soil structure and high reactivity for pollutant reduction, making it a promising substrate filler for efficiently degrading refractory organic pollutants. It holds great potential for applications in areas such as water treatment and soil remediation.