Heterogeneous catalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin with FeS micro-flakes

The common water contaminant ciprofloxacin (CIP) poses a significant threat to the health of both aquatic species and humans. Current iron-sulfide-based catalysts, predominantly nanoparticles, face limitations including aqueous instability, narrow pH adaptability, and agglomeration. To overcome these bottlenecks, we developed a new iron-sulfide-based catalyst. This study used FeS micro-flakes to degrade CIP. The degradation efficiency and reusability of FeS micro-flakes were evaluated under different conditions. The results indicate that FeS micro-flakes can achieve a removal efficiency of over 99 % within 10 min at pH 6, a temperature of 30 °C, a FeS dosage of 0.8 g/L, and an H 2 O 2 concentration of 10 mmol/L. even after five cycles, the removal efficiency of FeS remained above 99 %. The hydroxyl radical (HO·) was identified as the primary reactive oxygen species (ROS) by chemical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). These results demonstrate the exceptional performance and reusability of the FeS heterogeneous Fenton catalyst • FeS micro-flakes were used to activate H 2 O 2 for the degradation of CIP. • High CIP degradation efficiency was achieved over wide experimental conditions. • The FeS catalyst can be cycled at least 5 times with degradation efficiency >99 %. • The hydroxyl radical (HO·) was identified as the primary reactive oxygen species.