Removal of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol from water by Eupatorium adenophorum biochar-loaded nano-iron/nickel

From the perspective of waste utilization, the invasive species, Eupatorium adenophorum was used to prepare biochar, which was then loaded with iron/nickel bimetals. Compared with pure biochar, the biochar-loaded nano-iron/nickel bimetals have a significant effect on the removal of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) from water, and their degradation rate can be increased by 39.7%-71.6% under different conditions. Several factors can influence the removal of 2,4,6-TCP, including the load ratio, pH of the solution, concentration of 2,4,6-TCP, and coexisting ions in water (HCO3-, SO42-, NO3-). Based on the density functional model (DET), Ni can activate H2 (produced in the reaction between nano-Fe and H2O) to convert to H*, which can then substitute Cl. The activation energy is 109.5 kJ/mol, indicating the reaction is easy to take place.