Activation of periodate by biocarbon-supported multiple modified nanoscale iron for the degradation of bisphenol A in high-temperature aqueous solution

As reported, the persistent toxic and harmful pollutant bisphenol A (BPA) from industrial emissions has been consistently found in aquatic environments inhabited by humans. Periodate (PI)-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been employed to degrade BPA, although activating PI proves more challenging compared to other oxidants. A novel nano iron metal catalyst, sulfided nanoscale iron-nickel bimetallic nanoparticle supported on biocarbon (S-(nFe⁰-Ni)/BC) was synthesized and utilized to activate PI for the removal of BPA. The morphology, structure, and composition of S-(nFe⁰-Ni)/BC were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM–EDS), and fourier-transform infrared spectrum (FTIR). The catalyst demonstrates an excellent ability to activate PI, achieving a BPA removal efficacy of 86.4%, accompanied by a 33% reduction in total organic carbon (TOC) in the {S-(nFe⁰-Ni)/BC}/PI system. BPA degradation exhibited a significant change at the 5-min mark. In the first stage (0–5 min), nonlinear dynamic fitting research, combined with scavenging experiments, unveiled the competitive degradation of pollutants primarily driven by iodate radical (IO₃^·), singlet oxygen ¹O₂, and hydroxyl radical (·OH). The competitive dynamics aligned with the ExpAssoc model. The contribution rates of different active species during the second stage (5–120 min) were calculated. The contributions of main species to BPA removal follow the order of IO₃^· > ¹O₂ > ·OH throughout the entire process. The influence of various parameters, such as the dosage of S-(nFe⁰-Ni)/BC, initial PI concentration, BPA concentration, pH, temperature, and the presence of coexisting anions, was also examined. Finally, a plausible reaction mechanism in the system is proposed, suggesting that the {S-(nFe⁰-Ni)/BC}/PI system involves a heterogeneous synergistic reaction occurring primarily on the surface of S-(nFe⁰-Ni)/BC. Therefore, this study proposes a promising approach for PI-based AOPs to degrade organic pollutants, aiming to mitigate the irreversible harm caused by such pollutants to organisms and the environment.