Synthesized heterogeneous Fenton-like goethite (FeOOH) catalyst for degradation of p-chloronitrobenzene

The removal of p-chloronitrobenzene (pCNB) was investigated by a heterogeneous Fenton-like system using a laboratory synthesized goethite (FeOOH) as catalyst. The influencing factors and the degradation pathway of pCNB were also evaluated. With a stronger catalytic activity than Fe²⁺ catalyst, the synthesized FeOOH catalyst can significantly promote the decomposition of H₂O₂, and the decomposition product hydroxyl radicals (·OH) can oxidize pCNB in the water effectively. The FeOOH catalyst can also adsorb a certain amount of pCNB, and the adsorption effect is related to the amount of FeOOH and the initial pH value of solution. The results of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed that the main intermediate products were phenolic compounds and carbonyl compounds. About 60% of pCNB was mineralized during the catalytic oxidation, and chlorine and nitro groups on benzene ring were converted into Cl⁻ and NO₃⁻ after being attacked.