Preparation of Chitosan/NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxides Composites and Its Fenton-Like Catalytic Oxidation of Phenolic Compounds

In this study, chitosan-based Ni–Fe hydrotalcite composites (CS/NiFe-LDHs) and Ni–Fe hydrotalcite (NiFe-LDHs) were prepared by low-saturation coprecipitation method to investigate their oxidation and catalytic properties for phenolic compounds. The materials were characterized by TEM, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TG–DTG, which proved that chitosan (CS) was successfully introduced into hydrotalcite forming CS/LDHs, which still had the structural characteristics of hydrotalcite. The oxidation effect and catalytic oxidation effect of CS/NiFe-LDHs on phenolic compounds were investigated. The results showed that under the optimal conditions, the oxidation efficiency on phenolic compounds (BPA, 2,4-DCP, and phenol) was 62.25%, 70.02%, and 42.13%, respectively, and the removal efficiency was 94.8%, 93.71%, and 98.98% by heterogeneous Fenton-like catalytic oxidation. CS/NiFe-LDHs as a catalyst has a good removal effect on phenolic compounds, and no sludge is produced, the range of pH value is broadened in the reaction (3–12). It can be easily recycled for five subsequent runs and has a good application prospect.