LAUSR

Abstract This study has addressed ultrasound-assisted sulfadiazine (SDZ) degradation in heterogeneous Fenton-persulfate system and has also attempted to reveal mechanistic features. The Fenton reagent (Fe2+) was added in the form of yolk-shell nanoparticles Fe3O4@hollow@mSiO2. A kinetic model for SDZ degradation was formulated using reactions of Fenton-persulfate system. Concurrent analysis of experiments and simulations revealed faster leaching of Fe2+/Fe3+ ions from the metal core of Fe3O4@hollow@mSiO2 particles due to micro-convection generated by sonication, which enhanced SDZ degradation 4×. Inhibition effect of inorganic anions ( Cl - , NO 3 - , CO 3 2 - , SO 4 2 - ) on SDZ degradation was also studied with experiments and an extended kinetic model. CO 3 2 - and SO 4 2 - had the strongest inhibition effect due to both metal ion complexation and radical scavenging. Significant discrepancy between experimental and simulations results in the presence of anions were explained in terms of enhanced metal ion complexation and radical scavenging in the hollow core of yolk-shell particles.