4‑Phenoxyphenol-Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheets: A Metal-Free Fenton-Like Catalyst for Pollutant Destruction

• Published in: Environmental science & technology Vol. 52; no. 2; pp. 747 - 756
• Main Authors: Lyu, Lai, Yu, Guangfei, Zhang, Lili, Hu, Chun, Sun, Yong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 16-01-2018
• Subjects: Catalysis; Catalysts; Copolymerization; Electrons; Graphene; Hydrogen peroxide; Metals; Nanosheets; Pollutants; Polymers; Reaction centers
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b04865

Metal-containing Fenton catalysts have been widely investigated. Here, we report for the first time a highly effective stable metal-free Fenton-like catalyst with dual reaction centers consisting of 4-phenoxyphenol-functionalized reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (POP-rGO NSs) prepared through surface complexation and copolymerization. Experimental and theoretical studies verified that dual reaction centers are formed on the C–O–C bridge of POP-rGO NSs. The electron-rich center around O is responsible for the efficient reduction of H2O2 to •OH, while the electron-poor center around C captures electrons from the adsorbed pollutants and diverts them to the electron-rich area via the C–O–C bridge. By these processes, pollutants are degraded and mineralized quickly in a wide pH range, and a higher H2O2 utilization efficiency is achieved. Our findings address the problems of the classical Fenton reaction and are useful for the development of efficient Fenton-like catalysts using organic polymers for different fields.