Efficient catalytic ozonation for hexazinone degradation by Fe/Ce-doped MOF derivatives

High catalytic efficiency and strong anti-interference catalyst for refractory pollutants removal remains a challenge for the catalytic ozonation. Metal-organic framework (MOF) have shown excellent performance in catalysis filed, but there is a risk of metal ion leaching. Designing MOF derivatives by high temperature modulation is considered to be an effective way to enhance the performance and reduce leaching risk of MOFs. In this paper, Fe/Ce bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (FeCe-MOF) was synthesized and three MOF derivatives were prepared by calcination at different temperatures. The performance of MOF derivatives in the degradation of hexazinone via catalytic ozonation and the effects were investigated. The mechanism of catalytic ozonation by FeCe@C-600 was also elucidated by the analysis of structural characterization of the fresh and used FeCe@C-600, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and quenching experiment. FeCe@C-600/O3 system achieved 78.78 % removal of hexazinone and 42.37 % degradation of TOC within 20 min. During the catalytic ozonation, FeCe@C-600 has high structural stability and avoiding the release of metal ions. FeCe@C-600 showed excellent performance to degrade and mineralize of hexazinone, and it is more stable and has wider pH applicability. The electron transfer and redox cycling of Mn+/Mn+1 were promoted along with the conversion of lattice oxygen to oxygen vacancies. The degradation of hexazinone was mainly attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (•OH, •O2–, 1O2) during catalytic ozonation. MOF derivatives exhibited good adsorption capacity during the degradation of hexazinone. FeCe@C-600 effectively reduces metal leaching while retaining high catalytic activity, providing new ideas for the development of new efficient and environmentally friendly ozone catalysts.