Study on copper oxide modified biochar for activating persulfate high efficiency and application for the removal of bisphenol A

Abstract

Advanced oxidation based on persulfate applied for the removal of organic pollutants has received widespread attention. Here, combining hydrothermal synthesis and a high‐temperature calcination approach, we constructed an effective copper oxide‐modified biochar from wood waste (Ginkgo biloba rods) for the removal of bisphenol A (BPA) from contaminated waterways. The modified biochar with copper oxide in its structure (CuO/BC) exhibited a densely arranged needle‐shaped structure different from pristine timber waste biochar (BC). CuO/BC can activate persulfate efficiently, and the removal rate of BPA could reach 100% within 20–30 min, approximately three times higher than that of BC. Moreover, CuO/BC was more suitable for treating BPA wastewater under alkaline conditions. The stability of CuO/BC, reaction intermediates, and possible degradation pathway were investigated. These results demonstrate the potential of the application of CuO/BC for organic wastewater treatment and shed light on a new approach to develop wastewater treatment materials that are carbon‐based and cost‐effective.

Preparation of transition metal‐modified biochar materials and their effects on the removal of bisphenol A by persulfate activation

“…According to the former research, ·OH and all occurred in the CuO/BC‐PS process, but they are not did not play a dominant role in the system 19 . Besides the radical pathway, a nonradical pathway commonly occurs in the PS activation system associated with carbon‐based catalysts 20 .…”