Supported Iron Nanoparticles for Removal of Pentachlorophenol in Water

Abstract

Two kinds of supported iron nanoparticles by activated carbon/carbon nanotubes were synthesized under ambient condition in this study. And their performance for pentachlorophenol (PCP) removal in water was examined. The SEM images showed that the nanoparticles supported by carbon nanotubes (Fe-CNTs) were of better dispersibility and smaller particle size than that by activated carbon (Fe-C). And the iron content in both of Fe-CNTs and Fe-C system measured by EDS was similar to each other. But the removal rate of PCP in the former system was obviously lower than the latter. It might be due to the more excellent adsorption capacity of activated carbon. And another main reason could be the reduction of adsorption sites due to the occupation of iron nanoparticles. The removal of PCP from the solution was the result of both of the activated carbon/carbon nanotubes adsorption and iron degradation. And the adsorption process was prior to the degradation by iron nanoparticles.