Synthesis of magnetized nitrogen-doped biochar and its high efficiency for elimination of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride by activation of peroxymonosulfate

Abstract In this study, magnetized nitrogen-doped biochar (MNBC) was synthesized to degrade ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP) as activator of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Subsequently, several parameters were optimized to decompose CIP. Results showed that MNBC/PMS system displayed superior CIP removal efficiency and well stability. Its high degradation efficiency of CIP can reach 92.6 % within 80min, and its excellent magnetic properties is convenient for separation and recovery. Moreover, the dominant reactive oxide species roles were determined via EPR measurement method and radical capture experiments. In addition, the improved catalytic mechanism of MNBC/PMS system was proposed, which was ascribed to the generation of sulfate radicals and hydroxyl radicals. Meanwhile, the degradation pathways of CIP were illustrated. After four run utilization, the MNBC/PMS system still possessed 83 % removal efficiency. Therefore, the synthesized MNBC magnetic carbon material might be a candidate to the removal of refractory pollutants in environmental remediation.