Facile synthesis of pyrite FeS 2 on carbon spheres for high-efficiency Fenton-like reaction.

Designing iron-based catalysts for Fenton-like reactions with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) as oxidants have attracted growing attentions. Herein, pyrite FeS2 supported on carbon spheres (FeS2 @C) is synthesized by a facile low-temperature method. The FeS2 @C/PMS system can degrade carbamazepine (CBZ) effectively in a wide pH range. Sulfate radicals (SO4 ·- ), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), superoxide radical (O2 ·- ), and singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) are the responsible reactive oxygen species (ROSs) for CBZ degradation. Moreover, in the simulated fixed-bed reactor, the FeS2 @C/PMS system can maintain a high CBZ removal ratio of >95% for than 8 h, exhibiting its excellent stability. The outstanding performance of FeS2 @C/PMS system is attributed to the presence of carbon spheres and lattice S2- , which together promote the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycle. The FeS2 @C is a promising catalyst due to its facile synthesis, low cost, high efficiency, and excellent stability to activate PMS for organics degradation.