Enhanced Antibiotic Degradation Using Biochar-Loaded Catalysts

A biochar composite catalyst with copper-cobalt MOF achieved 96.4% degradation of ciprofloxacin in 25 minutes. The biochar enhances electron transfer and stability, offering an efficient, sustainable solution for reducing antibiotic pollution in water through advanced oxidation processes and dual-pathway catalysis.

August 4, 2024

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Liu, et al (2024) BiocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More with root pore channels loaded copper cobalt bimetallic metal organic framework for effective peroxomonosulfate activation to degrade organic pollutants. *Process Safety and Environmental Protection.* https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2024.07.096

A recent study presents an innovative approach to degrade organic pollutants, specifically targeting the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP), which poses significant environmental risks due to its widespread use and subsequent release into ecosystems. Researchers Xianjie Liu, Sijun Huang, and colleagues have developed a biochar (BC) composite catalyst embedded with a copper-cobalt bimetallic metal-organic framework (CuCo-MOF).

The biochar, derived from pine needles, serves as a carrier for the CuCo-MOF, creating a composite with enhanced catalytic properties. This composite, named BC/CuCo-MOF(10%), exhibited a remarkable 96.4% degradation efficiency for CIP at a concentration of 20 mg/L within just 25 minutes. This performance surpassed that of biochar and CuCo-MOF used individually.

Key to the composite’s efficiency is the distribution of CuCo-MOF within the biochar’s porous structure, which facilitates mass transfer and accelerates the redox cycles between Cu2+ and Cu+. This setup improves the catalytic activity significantly. The biochar also enhances electron transfer, further boosting the degradation process.

The composite demonstrated strong stability, maintaining 87.6% degradation efficiency after five cycles, with minimal leachingLeaching is the process where nutrients are dissolved and carried away from the soil by water. This can lead to nutrient depletion and environmental pollution. Biochar can help reduce leaching by improving nutrient retention in the soil. More of copper and cobalt ions into the solution. The study identified that both radical and non-radical pathways contribute to the degradation process, with the non-radical pathway playing a dominant role.

This research highlights the potential of biochar-based composites in environmental protection, offering an effective method to combat the contamination of water bodies by antibiotics. The use of biochar not only stabilizes the metal catalysts but also enhances their reusability and efficiency, making it a promising solution for sustainable water treatment practices.