Biosynthesized Schwertmannite@Biochar composite as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst for the degradation of sulfanilamide antibiotics

Abstract Schwertmannite was successfully loaded onto biochar (Sch@BC) using a biosynthetic method. The physicochemical properties and structural morphology of Sch@BC were explored using XRD, SEM, BET, and XPS. The results showed that introducing biochar can effectively prevent the agglomeration of Sch. The catalytic activity of Sch@BC in the Fenton-like degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) was also systematically investigated under different reaction conditions. Under optimum conditions ([SMX] = 10 mg L−1, [H2O2] = 2.0 mM, Sch@BC = 1.0 g L−1 and initial pH = 3.0), the removal efficiencies of the SMX and total organic carbon (TOC) were 100% and 45.9%, respectively, within 60 min of the reaction. The results of the radical scavenger effect and ESR studies suggested that the SMX degradation in the Sch@BC/H2O2 system was dominated by a heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction. The repeated use of Sch@BC for SMX degradation demonstrated its reusability and stability in Fenton-like reactions. There was also speculation about the degradation mechanism and pathways of SMX. Furthermore, under the same conditions, the removal efficiencies of sulfadiazine (SD) and sulfisoxazole (SIZ) under Fenton-like degradation in the Sch@BC system were 91% and 93%. The results provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the creation of a new catalyst using biochar as a support material for the degradation of sulfanilamide antibiotics.