Hydrothermal Synthesis of Fenton Catalyst from Soybean Curd Residue Biochar for Tetracycline Degradation

In this study, heterogeneous catalysts were synthesized by hydrothermal method to load nano goethite to biochar derived from soybean curd residue, which served as catalysts for the heterogeneous degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in an aqueous solution. The catalytic tests using this composite material demonstrated significant TCH degradation. After 90 min of reaction, the optimum degradation of TCH in the aqueous solution was achieved. The initial pH value and TCH concentration were set at 2 and 50 mg/L, respectively, and the ambient conditions were maintained. The results showed that 0.5 g/L of catalyst and 60.0 mM H2O2 were the ideal catalyst and reagent dosages. Experimental data showed that the second-order kinetic model accurately described the degradation process than the first-order kinetic model. The study showed that biochar-loading goethite could be prepared from soybean crud residue and used for the degradation of TCH in an aqueous solution. Additionally, these results also provide a new approach for catalyst generation by the hydrothermal method that might help reduce costs and be environmentally friendly.