Carbon Encapsulated Iron Oxide for Simultaneous Fenton Degradation and Adsorption of Cationic and Anionic Dyes from Water

This study has developed a unique hybrid structure which has both tunned surface functional groups and magnetic properties, and can be used to simultaneously remove two different industrial dyes. The structure is made up of an iron oxide core encapsulated in a carbon shell, which is then protected by a porous carbon matrix, ensuring efficient charge transfer and high catalytic activity with limited leaching. The structure shows high adsorption and degradation capabilities, with 94% removal of both Congo red and methylene blue after 5 consecutive cycles. This structure is derived from olive mill waste, and can be easily separated from the treated water using a magnet. It has been proven to have low iron leaching, and can be used for pollutant removal from wastewater on a large scale.