Degradation of pesticides by heterogeneous Fenton using iron-exchanged clays

• Published in: Catalysis communications Vol. 183; p. 106771
• Main Authors: Boukhemkhem, A., Bedia, J., Belver, C., Molina, C.B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acetamiprid; Bentonite; Emerging pollutants; Heterogeneous Fenton; Kaolinite clay; Nitenpyram; Acetamiprid; Bentonite; Heterogeneous Fenton; Nitenpyram; Kaolinite clay; Emerging pollutants
• ISSN: 1566-7367; 1873-3905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.catcom.2023.106771

The aim of this research is to study the feasibility of using low-cost and natural bentonite and kaolinite clays, compared with commercial bentonite, as raw materials to prepare catalysts for the removal of two emerging pollutants, the neonicotinoid pesticides nitenpyram and acetamiprid, by heterogeneous Fenton process. The raw materials were subjected to a simple ion exchange method to improve their textural properties using a solution containing ferric cations followed by calcination at 500 °C. Results show high activity for all the catalysts in the removal of these pesticides, Stability tests were carried out confirming the high stability of these materials. •Homemade catalysts based on iron-exchanged clays have been economically prepared.•The materials showed high catalytic activity for the removal of pesticides by CWPO.•The increase in the reaction temperature improved the conversion of the pollutants.•Leaching of iron in all cases was very low confirming the heterogeneous process.