Novel perovskite-based composites, La1−xNdxFeO3@activated carbon, as efficient catalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants by heterogeneous electro-Fenton reactions

Abstract

Perovskites, which have excellent electrocatalytic properties, are promising for use in heterogeneous catalysis. However, the design and development of green and effective electrocatalysts for environmental water treatment remains an arduous challenge. To overcome such difficulties, we present a facile sol–gel method for the design and preparation of a series of perovskite-activated carbon (AC) composites (La_1−xNd_xFeO₃@AC) for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) by heterogeneous electro-Fenton reactions. Furthermore, the as-made La_0.6Nd_0.4FeO₃@AC composite anode had the strongest oxidation ability and stability, with MO wastewater and COD removal rates reaching 99.81% and 96.66% within 10 minutes, respectively. As far as we know, the La_1−xNd_xFeO₃@AC composites can be regarded as a series of the most effective catalysts for the degradation of MO to date.