Reductive transformation of 2-nitrophenol by Fe(II) species in γ-aluminum oxide suspension

Fe(II) adsorption onto γ-Al2O3 surfaces was studied in view of its high reactivity towards the aqueous reductive transformation of 2-NP. Kinetic measurements demonstrated that rates of 2-NP reduction were highly sensitive to pH, Fe(II) concentration and reaction temperature. An increase in pH, Fe(II) concentration or reaction temperature gave rise to an elevated density of Fe(II) adsorbed to mineral surfaces, which further resulted in an enhanced reaction rate of 2-NP reduction. By using the diffuse double layer (DDL) surface complexation model, the dominant Fe(II) surface complex that was responsible for the high reactivity was predicted to be the strongly bound ≡ SOFe+ functional group (represented by ≡ AlstOFe+) onto γ-Al2O3 surfaces. In addition, cyclic voltammetry tests showed that the enhanced activity of Fe(II) species was attributed to the negative shift of the redox potential of Fe(III)/Fe(II) couple, resulted from the enhanced concentration of ≡ AlstOFe+ complex.