Electro-Fenton degradation of pesticides by metal-organic framework-derived iron nanoparticles

Metal-org. frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a new class of functional materials for catalysis and energy storage. The diversity in MOFs pore structure and functionality leads to tunable phys. and chem. properties. In the current study, we have investigated the application of iron nanoparticles with graphitic shell as electro-Fenton catalysts. They can be easily prepd. via one-pot templated assembly of MOFs on resorcinol polymer followed by pyrolysis under inert atm. We have shown that the electrochem. reactivity of the MOFs derived material can be easily controlled by tuning the compn. of MOFs precursor and the conversion method. The resultant catalysts are highly active for 2-electron oxygen redn. coupled with heterogeneous Fenton reaction. Comparing with traditional Fenton reagent, MOFs derived catalysts are not subjected to metal leaching, they can operate at all soln. pH ranges without the addn. of hydrogen peroxide. This provides a cost-effective method for aq. org. contaminant removal.