Facile synthesis of pyrite FeS2 on carbon spheres for high-efficiency Fenton-like reaction

Designing iron-based catalysts for Fenton-like reactions with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) as oxidants have attracted growing attentions. Herein, pyrite FeS 2 supported on carbon spheres (FeS 2 @C) is synthesized by a facile low-temperature method. The FeS 2 @C/PMS system can degrade carbamazepine (CBZ) effectively in a wide pH range. Sulfate radicals (SO 4 ·- ), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), superoxide radical (O 2 ·- ), and singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) are the responsible reactive oxygen species (ROSs) for CBZ degradation. Moreover, in the simulated fixed-bed reactor, the FeS 2 @C/PMS system can maintain a high CBZ removal ratio of >95% for than 8 h, exhibiting its excellent stability. The outstanding performance of FeS 2 @C/PMS system is attributed to the presence of carbon spheres and lattice S 2− , which together promote the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox cycle. The FeS 2 @C is a promising catalyst due to its facile synthesis, low cost, high efficiency, and excellent stability to activate PMS for organics degradation.