Yolk-shell structured Fe@void@mesoporous silica with high magnetization for activating peroxymonosulfate

Abstract

Sulfate radical anion (SO4⿢⿿) based Fenton-like reaction have recently received a large quantity of attention owing to their strong oxidative capacity and high selectivity toward organic pollutants. However, the development of a high-efficient catalyst for activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) with a fast separation is still challengeable. Herein, magnetic mesoporous silica composites with a yolk-shell structure (Fe@void@mSiO2) have been prepared via a successive coating strategy, followed by a high-temperature in-situ treatment and demonstrated as a high-efficient and fast magnetic separable catalyst for the activation of PMS. The resultant material possesses a well-defined yolk⿿shell structure with high specific surface area (⿼495.0⿿m2/g), uniform pore size (⿼6.9⿿nm) and super large magnetic susceptibility (⿼105⿿emu/g). Owing to the unique properties, the material possesses an excellent degradation activity for tetracyclines (TC), which is much higher than the commercialized Zero Valent Iron (ZVI) nanoparticles. Additionally, the catalyst is able to work over a broad pH range and be quickly recycled by using an external magnetic field. This research provides a promising strategy for the synthesis and design of multifunctional catalyst for the Fenton-like process.