Nano-zerovalent iron contained porous carbons developed from waste biomass for the adsorption and dechlorination of PCBs

The low-cost composite, nano-zerovalent iron (NZVI) contained in porous carbon (PC), was prepared using pinewood sawdust and ferric chloride as starting materials. The key point of this strategy was that the production of PC and the formation of NZVI were accomplished simultaneously through a simple process. The composite PC/NZVI was characterized by XRD, BET and the adsorption and simultaneous dechlorination of PCBs were efficiently demonstrated. The results showed the pinewood sawdust was activated by ferric chloride and the surface area and the pore volume of obtained composite were 423 m2/g and 0.23 cm3/g, respectively. The produced NZVI, around 27 nm in diameter, catalyzed the formation of substantial mesopores in the composite. PC/NZVI exhibited an efficient dechlorination of PCBs at room temperature, and the dechlorinated-products could be completely adsorbed onto the composite. Accordingly, it is believed that PC/NZVI developed in the present study is practically applicable for PCBs-contaminated water purification.