Metal Foam-Based Fenton-Like Process by Aeration

Abstract

A novel metal foam-based Fenton-like process for wastewater treatment is illustrated in this study. In the system, H₂O₂ was generated in situ by taking advantage of O₂ in air, as metal could activate dissolved O₂ to produce ^•O₂^- and then generate H₂O₂. Furthermore, metal foam can enhance the Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ cycling, which eventually improved the efficiency of the Fenton process. The performance of the novel Fenton-like process was assessed by methyl blue (MB), and 94% MB removal could be achieved within 5 min in nickel (Ni) foam system. The degradation of MB in this study was based on both ^•OH and ^•O₂^- radicals, where ^•O₂^- radical served as the precursor to generate ^•OH for MB degradation through a Fenton process. The pH value of 3 with the initial Fe²⁺ concentration of 0.25 mM was found to be the optimum condition for the Fenton-like process. This study provides a general and new strategy for efficient wastewater treatment just using aeration and metal foams (such as Ni, Al, and Cu foams), which also offers a good alternative for rational design and application of traditional Fenton process.