Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans are dangerous pollutants due to their carcinogenicity and persistence in the environment. Traditional catalytic oxidation methods for their removal face challenges like high cost and inefficiency at lower temperatures. Research has shown that using carbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes and active carbons, improves catalyic performance by enhancing adsorption and distribution of active sites. However, their application is limited by costs and maintenance issues. N-doped carbon materials, derived from biomass, offer a promising alternative with their high surface area and porosity, potentially lowering operational temperatures and increasing efficiency.
In a new study ( doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42768-023-00172-0) published on 21 December 2023 in Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy, researchers from Zhejiang University, introduces a catalyst combining vanadium-based components and nitrogen-doped biomass carbon (NHPC). This development significantly enhances the low-temperature degradation activity of furan, offering a novel solution for the efficient breakdown of persistent organic pollutants, marking a significant step forward in environmental remediation efforts.
In this study, researchers developed a series of vanadium-based catalystsand their catalytic performances were significantly enhanced by nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon (NHPC) derived from biomass. This enhancement led to a marked improvement in the degradation of furan, a persistent organic pollutant, at lower temperatures than previously possible. The NHPC’s introduction into the catalyst structure facilitated an increase in active sites and improved the homogeneous distribution of vanadium oxide phases, which are crucial for the catalytic process. At 150 °C, the modified catalyst achieved 50% furan conversion, a significant improvement over traditional catalysts, with complete conversion occurring at 200°C.
Dr. Minghui Tang, a leading researcher in the study, states, “This breakthrough not only enhances the efficiency of furan degradation at significantly lower temperatures but also opens new pathways for sustainable environmental remediation techniques.”
The application of N-doped Hierarchical Porous Carbon (NHPC) in catalysts marks a pivotal advancement in environmental technology, offering a low-temperature, cost-effective method for hazardous pollutant removal. This innovation not only sets a new standard for pollution control but also underscores the potential of biomass derived carbon materials in catalytic degradation., enhancing pollutant degradation efficiency and fostering sustainable environmental protection solutions.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42768-023-00172-0
Funding information
The Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (No. LY21E060007); The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52006191).
About Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy
Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy (WDSE) publishes high-quality papers that advance waste disposal and sustainable energy. It broadly encompassed various traditional waste disposal and new sustainable energy sources related topics. The invention of instrumentation and new-methods on waste characterization and collection are also included. It emphasizes the application of waste disposal and sustainable energy technology to environmental and earth issues. It provides a platform not only for basic research but also for industrial interests.
