Green synthesis of novel Fe nanoparticles embedded in N-doped biochar composites derived from bagasse for sulfadiazine degradation via peroxymonosulfate activator: Mechanism insight and performance assessment

To realize the effective utilization of agricultural and industrial waste, waste bagasse was designed to remove antibiotics from wastewater. In this work, using waste bagasse, extremely little iron resource and melamine as raw material, Fe species nanoparticles encapsulated in nitrogen-doped composite biochar derived from bagasse (Fe@NC-BS) were synthesized via a one-pot pyrolysis method. Fe@NC-BS-8 has the advantages of high catalytic activity, magnetic recovery, and superior stability. Surprisingly, Fe@NC-BS-8 maintained excellent anti-interference ability in wide pH range (pH = 3–11) and high concentration of coexisting anions. Surface-bound ROS (SO 4 - and OH) and singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) were considered the main reactive oxygen species. Both the generation of active sites and the characteristic of composite materials were beneficial to the activation of PMS and accelerating electronic transfer. Pyridine N, graphitic N, iron species, CNTs and ketone groups were all the main active sites and showed synergistic effects. This work provided a feasible strategy for utilizing bagasse waste in a valuable manner and simultaneously achieving environmental remediation. • Fe@NC-BS was prepared via a simple, green and low-cost method. • Fe@NC-BS-8/PMS system could maintain efficient SDZ degradation in harsh environments. • The unique structure of the composite material is conducive to the activation of PMS. • Synergy of free radicals and non-radicals • This work provides a new strategy to realize the resource utilization of waste bagasse.