Optimized iron-biochar composites for degrading halogenated compounds in environmental media: synthesis strategies and reaction mechanisms

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The rapid urbanization and industrialization in the past decades have resulted in severe environmental pollution associated with halogenated organic compounds (HOCs) in both China and Europe. The objective of the proposed project is to gain new insights and deepened understanding of the processes involved in green nFe0/Pd/C composite synthesis and reactions of the prepared materials for the remediation of HOCs in groundwater. This includes the identification of synthesis options of particles with tailored and improved properties using hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) method. Thorough mechanistic understanding of the involved processes sorption, reaction, transport of reactive species and catalysis including their synergies will contribute to targeted particle optimization and explore potential application areas. The suggested nFe0/Pd/C composites shall be specifically suitable for in-situ groundwater remediation and provide improved properties for treatment cases where existing environmental science nano-remediation fails. The synergistic combination of various modes of actions of its components for multi-catalysis or sequential treatment of contaminants will be achieved. Firstly, various options for incorporating metals into or onto the carbon particles will be studied, and full physico-chemical characterization and reactivity testing will be performed. Secondly, reactions are studied in batch systems for deeper mechanistic understanding including the interplay of Pd, carbon surface and Fe-species, reaction pathways and reactive species involved. Furthermore, options for multicatalysis and combined simultaneous or sequential reduction/oxidation processes are explored. Finally, the materials and processes developed are tested in the lab employing water from contaminated sites both in Germany and China. The cooperative research between China and Germany will significantly enhance the level of groundwater remediation research for industrially contaminated sites, with specific emphasis on China.