Leaching Of Metal Ions Research Articles

Prussian Blue Analogue‐Based Materials: Synthesis and Their Application in Peroxymonosulfate Activation for Wastewater Treatment

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are effective in degrading refractory organic pollutants in water. The unique internal chemical tunability of Prussian blue analogues (PBAs), a type of metal‐organic framework materials (MOFs), makes them promising catalysts for PMS‐AOPs. However, the pristine PBA is limited in practical application due to its structural instability and easy leaching of metal ions. To this end, various methods have been developed to enhance the catalytic performance of PBAs. In this paper, the recent advances in the modification and composite strategies of PBA catalysts are systematically reviewed. PBA modification by the regulation of synthesis conditions and post‐synthesis treatment, along with composite strategies involving metal and non‐metal based materials are introduced. The structural morphology improvement, physical and chemical property adjustment, vacancy design and crystal surface modulation of PBAs induced by these modification and composite strategies are discussed in depth. In addition, the performance of the modified and composite catalysts to activate PMS for organic pollutant degradation is demonstrated. The radical pathway via SO4•‐, •OH and O2•‐, non‐radical pathway through 1O2, electron transfer process and high‐valence metal‐oxygen species, or a combination of radical and non‐radical pathways are revealed in PMS‐AOPs with PBAs and their derivatives as catalysts.

Hydroxylamine hydrochloride-driven activation of NiFe2O4 for the degradation of phenol via peroxymonosulfate

In this study, hydroxylamine hydrochloride (HA) was employed to enhance the activation of NiFe2O4 towards peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the effective degradation of phenol. NiFe2O4 particles were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method, followed by characterization of their surface morphology, and microstructure. Upon the addition of HA to the system of NiFe2O4/PMS, the degradation activity is significantly enhanced. The degradation efficiency of phenol reached 98.5% after 60 min using 0.6 g/L NiFe2O4, 3 mmol/L PMS, 2 mmol/L HA at pH 7, which increased by 4.76 times compared to the system without HA. The study further explored the activation mechanism of the NiFe2O4/HA/PMS system, revealing that HA significantly enhanced the conversion of Fe3+/Fe2+ and the leaching of metal ions, thereby accelerating the reaction rate. In addition, the NiFe2O4/HA/PMS system proved effective across a broad range of pH values. This study provides new insights and perspectives into enhancing peroxymonosulfate activation coupled with metal oxides catalysts through the use of reducing agents.

The Utilization of Carbonated Steel Slag as a Supplementary Cementitious Material in Cement.

Carbon emission reduction and steel slag (SS) treatment are challenges in the steel industry. The accelerated carbonation of SS and carbonated steel slag (CSS) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in cement can achieve both large-scale utilization of SS and CO2 emission reduction, which is conducive to low-carbon sustainable development. This paper presents the utilization status of CSS. The accelerated carbonation route and its effects on the properties of CSS are described. The carbonation reaction of SS leads to a decrease in the average density, an increase in the specific surface area, a refinement of the pore structure, and the precipitation of different forms of calcium carbonate on the CSS surface. Carbonation can increase the specific surface area of CSS by about 24-80%. The literature review revealed that the CO2 uptake of CSS is 2-27 g/100 g SS. The effects of using CSS as an SCM in cement on the mechanical properties, workability, volume stability, durability, environmental performance, hydration kinetics, and microstructure of the materials are also analyzed and evaluated. Under certain conditions, CSS has a positive effect on cement hydration, which can improve the mechanical properties, workability, bulk stability, and sulfate resistance of SS cement mortar. Meanwhile, SS carbonation inhibits the leaching of heavy metal ions from the solid matrix. The application of CSS mainly focuses on material strength, with less attention being given to durability and environmental performance. The challenges and prospects for the large-scale utilization of CSS in the cement and concrete industry are described.

Enhancement of peroxymonosulfate activation with nickel foam-supported CuCo2O4 for tetracycline degradation: Performance and mechanism insights

The modulation of bimetallic oxide structures and development of efficient, easily recoverable catalysts are expected to effectively overcome the limitations associated with powdered catalysts in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). In this study, CuCo2O4 was successfully immobilized on the surface of nickel foam (NF) via an electrodeposition-calcination procedure, with highly efficient activation of PMS for tetracycline (TC) degradation (0.55 min−1). Besides acting as a support carrier and providing ample active sites, NF mediated electron transport, prevented the leaching of metal ions and enhanced the efficiency of recycling. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental tests illustrated that Cu/Co dual-sites can efficiently adsorb PMS, enabling simultaneous reduction and oxidation reactions. The dual-site synergy substantially decreased the adsorption barrier and increased the electron transfer rate. Especially, the Cu+/Cu2+ redox couple acted as an electron donor and facilitated rapid charge transfer, leading to the conversion of Co3+ to Co2+. Moreover, the CuCo2O4@NF + PMS system effectively eliminated TC by employing radical pathways (SO4•−, •OH) and nonradical processes (1O2, e−). Therefore, this study introduces a new approach to overcome the limitations of powdered bimetallic oxides, providing a promising solution for practical applications.

Insights into performance and mechanism of CuCo2O4/MXene composite as an efficient peroxymonosulfate activator for p-nitrophenol degradation

The slow redox cycle during oxidation and the toxicity risk due to leaching of metal ions greatly hinder the practical application of transition metal-based catalysts in advanced oxidation processes. In this study, a novel layered-structured CuCo2O4/MXene composite was prepared by self-assembling CuCo2O4 spinel with two-dimensional MXene and used as a heterogeneous catalyst based on peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation for the oxidative degradation of p-nitrophenol (4-NP). Benefiting from its unique structure, the degradation efficiency of 4-NP by CuCo2O4/MXene-activated PMS was close to 100 % within 10 min at the initial pH 7.0. Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance demonstrated that both radical (SO4•- and •OH) and non-radical (1O2) pathways were involved in the degradation of 4-NP. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the introduction of MXene could significantly promote the efficient redox cycling of Cu2+/Cu+ and Co3+/Co2+ on the catalyst surface, thus providing a continuous driving force for the PMS activation. More importantly, CuCo2O4/MXene exhibited good ionic interference resistance, high stability and low metal ion leaching rate, suggesting its potential practical application. This work not only demonstrates that CuCo2O4/MXene is a promising catalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants by PMS activation, but also provides a new idea for the development of efficient PMS-activated catalysts for pollutant degradation.

The Application of Converter Sludge and Slag to Produce Ecological Cement Mortars.

The paper presents an analysis of the effective use of a mixture of steel sludge (S1) and slag (S2) from the converter process of steel production for the production of cement mortars. Metallurgical waste used in the research, which is currently deposited in waste landfills and heaps near plants, posing a threat to groundwater (possibility of leaching metal ions present in the waste), was used as a substitute for natural sand in the range of 0-20% by weight of cement (each). The obtained test results and their numerical analysis made it possible to determine the conditions for replacing part of the sand in cement mortars with a mixture of sludge and slag from a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) and to determine the effects of such modification. For the numerical analysis, a full quadratic Response Surface Model (RSM) was utilized for two controlled factors. This model was subsequently optimized through backward stepwise regression, ensuring the inclusion of only statistically significant components and verifying the consistency of residual distribution with the normal distribution (tested via Ryan-Joiner's test, p > 0.1). The designated material models are helpful in designing ecological cement mortars using difficult-to-recycle waste (i.e., sludge and converter slag), which is important for a circular economy. Mortars modified with a mixture of metallurgical waste (up to 20% each) are characterized by a slightly lower consistency, compressive and flexural strength, and water absorption. However, they show a lower decrease in mechanical strength after the freezing-thawing process (frost resistance) compared to control mortars. Mortars modified with metallurgical waste do not have a negative impact on the environment in terms of leaching heavy metal ions. The use of a mixture of sludge and steel slag in the amount of 40% (slag/sludge in a 20/20 ratio) allows you to save 200 kg of sand when producing 1 m3 of cement mortar (cost reduction by approx. EUR 5.1/Mg) and will also reduce the costs of the environmental fee for depositing waste.

In-depth insights into transformation mechanism of synthetic saponite to amorphous silica under acid attack

Amorphous mesoporous materials derived from synthetic saponite (Sap) by acid treatment have been used in catalysis for several decades. Uncovering the transformation process of Sap from layered to amorphous structure under acid attack is beneficial to optimize the structure of Sap-derived mesoporous materials, yet such transformation process remains unclear. Herein, a magnesium-Sap was synthesized by hydrothermal method and then treated with sulfuric acid. By studying the changes in phase composition, morphology, chemical state of elements and surface area of the synthetic Sap after acid attack, a specified transformation mechanism of synthetic Sap to amorphous silica is clarified. The experimental results indicate that after leaching of Mg and Al cations from the Mg/AlO6 octahedral sheets of Sap during acid attack, the retained SiO4 tetrahedral sheets of Sap were transformed into amorphous short-range ordered silica phases and nanoscrolls with pseudohexagonal side pores. The transformation process of synthetic Sap under acid attack can be divided into leaching of metal ions from octahedral sheets of Sap to form layered silica particles, splitting and crimping of surface nano-silica layers from the formed silica particles, and completely amorphous transformation. The distortion of SiO bonds in SiO4 tetrahedral sheets during acid attack might be the driving force for such transformation. This work provides specific transformation process of synthetic Sap under acid attack which is conductive to the controllable preparation of acid-treated Sap derivates, and has certain significance for understanding of structural transformation of clay minerals with MgO6 octahedral structure.

Surface- modified preparation of CuFe2O4/sodium alginate hydrogel catalysts for the long-lasting degradation of tetracycline

Copper ferrate spinel (CuFe2O4) catalysts are widely used in advanced oxidation processes for environmental wastewater treatment due to their advantages of low price, mild reaction conditions and ease of operation. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the factors influence the surface properties of catalysts on their catalytic activity. In this research, the effects of process parameters on the surface properties of CuFe2O4 were investigated, and the relationship between the surface properties of CuFe2O4 and its catalytic activity was clarified. The optimised CuFe2O4 exhibited 92.4 % degradation of tetracycline (TC) and 55 % mineralisation of total organic carbon (TOC) within 30 min, the pseudo-first-order reaction rate was 0.0315 min−1, which was 2.2 times higher than that of the unoptimised CuFe2O4. The mechanism of action for enhancing catalyst performance and the degradation mechanism of tetracycline were clarified through a combination of characterization analysis. To further solve the problems of secondary pollution caused by ion leaching and the difficulty of practical application of powder catalysts, novel hydrogel microspheres composed of sodium alginate and CuFe2O4 were prepared by using the property of metal ions and sodium alginate to form a solid gel (SA/Ort-6). SA/Ort-6 was characterized by low ion leaching, excellent performance and excellent stability. The mass ratio of catalyst to treated water could be up to 1:22,000, and the mass ratio of catalyst to treated water can reach up to 1:22000, the removal rate of TOC was stable above 35 %. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between surface properties and catalytic performance of CuFe2O4, offers a new approach to effectively solve leaching of metal ions, and opens up a new avenue for practical application of powder catalysts.

Co3O4/CuO@C catalyst based on cobalt-doped HKUST-1 as an efficient peroxymonosulfate activator for pendimethalin degradation: Catalysis and mechanism

Pendimethalin (PM) is an organic pollutant (herbicide), and systematic studies on PM degradation are scarce. The efficient degradation of PM in water remains a challenge that requires to be addressed. Herein, for the first time, elemental Co was doped into HKUST-1 using a solvothermal method to generate Co3O4/CuO@C via pyrolysis. The as-prepared catalyst was used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for PM degradation, obtaining a PM degradation efficiency of 98.2 % after 30 min. The assessment of the effects of various factors on the degradation efficiency revealed that 1O2 dominated PM degradation, whereas the contribution of SO4•− was negligible. Although 3Co3O4/CuO@C exhibited a good degradation performance against other organic pollutants, its degradation performance in real water was poor. The carbon layer reduced metal-ion leaching (Co and Cu), and the synergistic interactions between Co3O4 and CuO promoted PMS activation. The roles of the components of 3Co3O4/CuO@C in PM degradation by activated PMS were investigated in the presence of CoIV and Co−OOSO3−. Two possible PM degradation pathways were systematically proposed, and the toxicity of the intermediates was analyzed. Finally, a mechanism for PM degradation by 3Co3O4/CuO@C-activated PMS was proposed.

Activation of Peroxymonosulfate by Co-Ni-Mo Sulfides/CNT for Organic Pollutant Degradation.

To explore advanced oxidation catalysts, peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation by Co-Ni-Mo/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite catalysts was investigated. A compound of NiCo2S4, MoS2, and CNTs was successfully prepared using a simple one-pot hydrothermal method. The results revealed that the activation of PMS by Co-Ni-Mo/CNT yielded an exceptional Rhodamine B decolorization efficiency of 99% within 20 min for the Rhodamine B solution. The degradation rate of Co-Ni-Mo/CNT was 4.5 times higher than that of Ni-Mo/CNT or Co-Mo/CNT, and 1.9 times as much than that of Co-Ni/CNT. Additionally, radical quenching experiments revealed that the principal active groups were 1O2, surface-bound SO4•-, and •OH radicals. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited low metal ion leaching and favorable stability. Mechanism studies revealed that Mo4+ on the surface of MoS2 participated in the oxidation of PMS and the transformation of Co3+/Co2+ and Ni3+/Ni2+. The synergism between MoS2 and NiCo2S4 reduces the charge transfer resistance between the catalyst and solution interface, thus accelerating the reaction rate. Interconnected structures composed of metal sulfides and CNTs can also enhance the electron transfer process and afford sufficient active reaction sites. Our work provides a further understanding of the design of multi-metal sulfides for wastewater treatment.

Synergy of CoN3 and CuN3O2 sites in single atom-decorated biochar for peroxymonosulfate activation: Accelerating the production of SO4•− and •OH

The coordination environment of metal affects the catalytic activity significantly, and synergistic interactions between metal sites might play an important role in the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation process. Bimetallic doped biochar exhibited greater PMS activation capability than single metal doped biochar. Quenching experiments revealed that cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) doping could promote the generation of SO4•− and •OH, but was detrimental to the production of 1O2. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations demonstrated that biochar loaded with both CoN3 and CuN3O2 sites had the largest absolute value of Eads, the longest O-O bond length and the maximal electrons transfer, thus facilitating the production of SO4•− and •OH. The CuN3O2 site was excellent for generating 1O2 due to its low reaction energy barrier. In addition, NBC-Cu-Co was an environmentally friendly catalyst in activating PMS to produce low-toxicity intermediates as well as reduce leaching of metal ions.

Metal‐Free Modification Overcomes the Photocatalytic Limitations of Graphitic Carbon Nitride: Efficient Production and In Situ Application of Hydrogen Peroxide

AbstractGraphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) assisted photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 has already attracted the interest of many researchers due to its environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, the inherent drawbacks of g‐C3N4 limit its progress. Metal‐free modification strategies, including nanostructure design, defect introduction, doping, and heterojunction construction, have been developed to improve the efficiency of g‐C3N4 photocatalytic H2O2 production. Compared to metal modification, metal‐free strategies avoid the use of precious metals and the leaching of heavy metal ions, which have the advantages of good stability and environmental friendliness. However, a comprehensive review of H2O2 production from g‐C3N4 modified by metal‐free strategies is still lacking. This review first recaps the mechanism of photocatalytic H2O2 production by g‐C3N4, including photoexcitation, carrier separation and redox reactions. Then, the perspective advances in metal‐free modified g‐C3N4 photocatalysts are presented, with the special focus on the kernel connection between different strategies and mechanism based on the pivotal stages of H2O2 production. Subsequently, recent applications of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts for in situ generated H2O2, mainly including water purification and organic synthesis, are briefly discussed. Finally, the prospects of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts are envisioned with the hope that it will have “something to do” in the field of H2O2 production.

Enhanced activation of persulfate by bimetal and nitrogen co-doped biochar for efficient degradation of refractory organic contaminants: The role of the second metal

The leaching of metal ions limits the application of Fe-biochar catalyst in activating persulfate (PS). In this work, Fe-M (M = Co, Cu) and nitrogen co-doped biochar (Fe-M@N-BC) were synthesized through impregnating bio-waste soybean straw to activate PS for the removal of various refractory organic contaminants (tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC), methyl orange (MO) and rhodamine B (RhB)). The catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, Raman, BET, TEM, SEM, and the degradation mechanism was investigated through quenching experiments and EPR. The results indicated that the doping of second metal (Co, Cu) has a strong promoting effect on catalytic activity with the order of Co > Cu. Surprisingly, the removal rates of TC, OTC, RhB, MO by Fe–Co@N-BC reached 84.7 %, 90.3 %, 89.4 %, and 91 %, respectively. The excellent catalytic performance of Fe–Co@N-BC was mainly attributed to abundant pyridinic-N, larger specific surface area (270 m2 g−1) and the Co(II)/Co(III) redox cycle promoting the regeneration of Fe(II). Notably, the formation of Co7Fe3 alloy could inhibit the leaching of iron ions and Fe–Co@N-BC possessed excellent reusability. Additionally, non-radical (1O2) was the main active species in the Fe–Co@N-BC/PS system. Finally, the degradation pathway of MO was proposed by HPLC-MS analysis. This research work provided an insight into how to reasonably utilize biological waste to construct highly efficient and stable catalysts for pollutants degradation.

Research on the preparation of eco-economical ultra-high performance concrete utilizing graphite tailings resources

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) employs river sand as its primary aggregate due to the absence of coarse aggregates, resulting in high production costs and significant ecological impacts, limiting its broader application. To mitigate these challenges, this research investigates the substitution of river sand with industrial waste graphite tailings (GT) in UHPC production. Experimental evaluations assessed changes in wet packing density, workability, mechanical properties, resistance to chloride ion penetration, and heavy metal leaching at various graphite tailings replacement rates (0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, and 100 %). The microstructural properties of UHPC were analyzed using techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results indicate that increasing the replacement rate of graphite tailings leads to a gradual decrease in UHPC workability. At a 50 % replacement rate, graphite tailings enhance the wet packing density, contributing to a 7.33 % increase in the 28-day compressive strength. Additionally, graphite tailings can decrease the carbon emissions associated with unit compressive strength by up to 6.96 % and reduce production costs by 20 %. The inclusion of graphite tailings also improves the resistance of UHPC to chloride ion penetration and reduces the leaching of heavy metal ions from the tailings. Microstructural analyses indicate that graphite tailings promote hydration reactions in UHPC without altering the types of hydration products. Additionally, these tailings improve the pore structure of the composite. This study investigates the feasibility of using graphite tailings as a substitute for river sand in the production of UHPC, providing foundational insights for subsequent studies focused on optimizing eco-friendly UHPC formulations that incorporate graphite tailings.

STUDY OF NON-FUEL APPLICATION OF BROWN COAL DERIVATIVES IN THE PRODUCTION OF MEMBRANES BASED ON HYBRID BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS

The article shows research into the non-fuel use of brown coal derivatives in the production of membranes based on hybrid biodegradable materials. The work used polylactide brand Terramac TP-4000, humic substances obtained from brown coals. Membranes for water purification from heavy metals were obtained from hybrid biopolymer materials based on pol- ylactide and humic substances in the form of polymer porous films with a pore size of 20 microns and a working surface area of the membrane of 28.26∙10-4 m2 with a circle diameter of 6 cm. Used in our The work of humic substances belonged to the group of well-hummified, more aromatic with a high content of acidic functional groups, which leads to their high com- plexing ability to form stable metal-humic complexes. The developed hybrid biodegradable materials based on polylactide and humic substances were used as highly effective sorption membrane materials to reduce the content of heavy metals in aqueous solutions. Obtaining membranes of hybrid biodegradable materials based on polylactide and humic substances have maximum selectivity for the extraction of metal ions in relation to Cu2+ – 95 % and Pb2+ – 94 %; and for metals such as Cd2+, Hg2+, Zn2+ and Co2+, it ranges from 82 to 89 %. Comparing the percentage of metal ions adsorbed, it can be seen that the easiest adsorbed metal was lead, copper and zinc adsorbed similarly, with cadmium showing the lowest percentage, but its adsorption was slightly worse than in the case of copper and zinc. The highest value was obtained for single adsorption of Cu2+ ions; in the case of adsorption from a mixture, this metal also had the highest distribution coefficient, and strong adsorption was also found for Pb2+. On the other hand, the adsorption of Zn2+ was, according to the “partition coefficient,” relatively weak. Strong and residual phases were highest for copper and lead, these two metals were largely bound into strong complexes by humic substances and only a very small amount could be washed out under normal conditions. It was found that the leaching of metal ions from mem- brane hybrid biodegradable materials based on polylactide and humic substances into water was very low, in most cases it was about 10 % and did not exceed 20 %. Most of the metal ions (≥60 %) were very tightly bound and were partially leached out under strongly acidic conditions. The obtained results of adsorption resistance vary significantly and correlate well with the age and degree of humification of humic substances.

Oxidation of imidacloprid insecticide through PMS activation using CuFe2O4 nanoparticles: Role of process parameters and surface modifications

The contamination of water bodies by synthetic organic compounds coupled with climate change and the growing demand for water supply calls for new approaches to water management and treatment. To tackle the decontamination issue, the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) using copper magnetic ferrite (CuMF) nanoparticles prepared under distinct synthesis conditions was assessed to oxidize imidacloprid (IMD) insecticide. After optimization of some operational variables, such as CuMF load (62.5–250 mg L−1), PMS concentration (250–1000 μM), and solution pH (3-10), IMD was completely oxidized in 2 h without interferences from leached metal ions. Such performance was also achieved when using tap water but was inhibited by a simulated municipal wastewater due to scavenging effects promoted by inorganic and organic species. Although there was evidence of the presence of sulfate radicals and singlet oxygen oxidizing species, only four intermediate compounds were detected by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis, mainly due to hydroxyl addition reactions. Concerning the changes in surface properties of CuMF after use, no morphological or structural changes were observed except a small increase in the charge transfer resistance. Based on the changes of terminal surface groups, PMS activation occurred on Fe sites.

Properties of multi-solid waste cementitious materials for highly efficient indoor formaldehyde degradation via response surface method

The environment-friendly cementitious materials with efficient indoor formaldehyde degradation properties (PRCS) were prepared by using slag to supplement the percentage of silica and aluminium in the phosphogypsum (PG)-red mud (RM) system, cement as an activator, and activation through the sulphate component in PG. PG-MnO2, a component of PRCS, was obtained by redox of potassium permanganate with PG as the carrier. The mechanism of formaldehyde degradation on PG-MnO2 was analyzed by catalytic model fitting, the multi-objective optimization of PRCS was achieved using response surface methodology (RSM), and the hydration products and microstructure of PRCS were characterized. The results show that the maximum compressive strength of PRCS can reach 26.02 MPa (7 days) and 35.13 MPa (28 days), respectively. The response surface model can be effectively used to simulate the compressive strength of PRCS since the experimental results of the best fitting ratio are close to the predicted results. PRCS achieves an initial 84 % degradation of formaldehyde through adsorption and surface active sites, and maintains 63 % efficiency after five degradation cycles. Also, there is no risk of heavy metal ion leaching.

Bipolar membrane assistant landfill leachate coagulation by bauxite tailings with oxalic acid

In this study, bauxite tailings were innovatively employed as the coagulant resource in the treatment of nanofiltration concentrated landfill leachate (NCLL) via bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED). The employment of H2C2O4 as the leaching acid, in lieu of HNO3, not only promoted the leaching of metal ions but also minimized the competitive migration of free H+, attributable to its chelating effect. The COD removal increased from about 40.4 % to about 49.9 %, while the energy consumption (EC) decreased to about 0.05 kWh/g COD when the acid is replaced by H2C2O4. An optimal dosage of bauxite tailing is crucial for effective COD removal. An increase in the initial concentration of H2C2O4 benefits metal leaching, while, an excessive concentration thereof augments the competition of H+ ions, thereby impeding the coagulation process. Furthermore, the current density exerted a notable impact on both COD removal and EC, with an optimal density identified at 5 mA/cm2. Connecting more treatment units still maintains COD removal efficiency at approximately 50 %, with a significant reduction in EC of about 24 %, necessitating only 0.038 kWh/g COD. Humic-like and fulvic-like acids are efficiently coagulated, which represent the principal biorefractory substances in NCLL. Consequently, this research delineates a novel approach for the utilization of bauxite tailings and the treatment of NCLL.

Tailoring the selective generation of oxidative organic radicals for toxic-by-product-free water decontamination

Peracetic acid (PAA) is emerging as a versatile agent for generating long-lived and selectively oxidative organic radicals (R-O•). Currently, the conventional transition metal-based activation strategies still suffer from metal ion leaching, undesirable by-products formation, and uncontrolled reactive species production. To address these challenges, we present a method employing BiOI with a unique electron structure as a PAA activator, thereby predominantly generating CH3C(O)O• radicals. The specificity of CH3C(O)O• generation ensured the superior performance of the BiOI/PAA system across a wide pH range (2.0 to 11.0), even in the presence of complex interfering substances such as humic acids, chloride ions, bicarbonate ions, and real-world water matrices. Unlike conventional catalytic oxidative methods, the BiOI/PAA system degrades sulfonamides without producing any toxic by-products. Our findings demonstrate the advantages of CH3C(O)O• in water decontamination and pave the way for the development of eco-friendly water decontaminations based on organic peroxides.

Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity of Laser‐induced Graphene Wrapped Tri‐Metal Organic Framework Nanocomposites

Crystalline and porous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are potential candidates for different antibacterial, photocatalytic, and adsorption applications. Moreover, multi‐principal element nanoparticles are effective against multidrug‐resistant bacteria, and combining metals with carbon nanomaterials can enhance activity. In this study, a Tri‐MOF comprised of iron, zinc, and cobalt and 2‐methyl imidazole was grown together with laser‐induced graphene (LIG) powder. Electron microscopy imaging showed the successful preparation and the crystalline nature of the LIG/Tri‐MOF composite. Fourier‐transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed a non‐covalent mixture of LIG and Tri‐MOF. Compared with the negligible activity of LIG alone, low doses (0.91‐4.54 mg/mL) of the prepared LIG/Tri‐MOF composite showed excellent antibacterial activity (≥ 95% bacterial removal) and a MIC of 0.6 mg/mL, for Gram‐negative bacteria via the gradual leaching of metal ions and organic linker from the material enhanced by bacterial aggregation near the LIG/Tri‐MOF. Compared to a mixture of separately synthesized Tri‐MOF and LIG, the LIG/Tri‐MOF composite showed improved antibacterial effects. All materials showed cytotoxicity for L929 mouse cell lines, the solids showing a disrupting effect on cells grown in vitro. Performance‐enhancing combinations of various materials leading to synergistic or additive antimicrobial effects is an essential strategy for minimizing the possible emergence of antibiotic‐resistant strains.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.