Heterogeneous Fenton-like oxidation of monochlorobenzene using green synthesis of iron nanoparticles

•Fe nanoparticles (Fe NPs) were synthesized by tea extracts.•Fe NPs as the catalyst were used for Fenton-like oxidation of monochlorobenzene.•The oxidation of MCB and the removal of COD were 81.15% and 31.01%, respectively.•The mechanism for Fenton-like oxidative mechanism was proposed.

Iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) were synthesized using tea extracts as a catalyst for the Fenton-like oxidation of monochlorobenzene (MCB), where 69%, 53%, and 39% of MCB were, respectively, degraded by Fe NPs synthesized using green tea extracts, oolong tea extracts, and black tea extracts. Fe NPs synthesized using green tea extracts (GT-Fe NPs) demonstrated the best degradation since green tea contains a high concentration of caffeine/polyphenols used as both reducing and capping agents in the synthesis of Fe NPs. This was confirmed by SEM image, EDS, and XRD pattern of GT-Fe NPs. In addition, batch experiments show that the oxidation of MCB and the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) using GT-Fe NPs were 81% and 31%, respectively, at optimal conditions, where dosages were 0.6 g/L GT-Fe NPs, 0.045 mol/L H2O2, and initial pH of 3.0. Compared to homogeneous Fenton oxidation of MCB, GT-Fe NPs as a heterogeneous catalyst indicate that Fe2+ and Fe3+ leached from GT-Fe NPs nanoparticles and consequently reduced the formation of iron sludge. Finally, GT-Fe NPs were successful in removing MCB from wastewaters, and the possible Fenton-like oxidative mechanism of MCB was proposed. The proposition was based on adsorption of MCB on the surface of GT-Fe NPs, decomposition of H2O2, generation of hydroxyl radicals, and oxidation of MCB.

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