Fe1-xZnxS ternary solid solution as an efficient Fenton-like catalyst for ultrafast degradation of phenol

Abstract

Heterogeneous Fenton-like system has been proved to be an promising alternative to Fenton system due to its easy separation. However, it’s a challenge to design heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts with high activity and great durability. Here, ternary solid solution Fe1-xZnxS were prepared via hydrothermal synthesis as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts. The Fe0.7Zn0.3S sample exhibited state of the art activity for yielding OH by H2O2 decomposition, and the ultrafast degradation of phenol was achieved in 4 min at initial acidic condition under room temperature. The phenol degradation rate constant of Fe0.7Zn0.3S was 99 and 70 times of ZnS and FeS, respectively. Further, we show that the unique structural configuration of iron atoms, the formation of FeS2-pyrite with (200) plane, are responsible for the excellent activity. The intermediate products were identified by LC–MS and a possible pathway was accordingly proposed to elucidate the mechanism of phenol degradation by OH. Overall, this work provides an idea for the rational design of the relevant heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts.