LAUSR

Abstract Background The conversion of waste biomass into multi-hole carbon materials is an effective way in recent years. A new type of biochar was prepared by one-step calcination method by utilizing used cigarette filter (UCF) as raw material. In addition, we investigated the catalytic degradation properties of UCF, as well as the degradation mechanism. Methods The catalytic degradation properties of the material were verified by degradation experiments. The morphology of the material, and the microstructural state, were analyzed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and HRTEM (High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy). Using Raman, XRD (X-ray diffraction), BET, XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) studied the structure and chemical composition of the material. The degradation mechanism was analyzed by quenching experiments and EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance), XPS. Significant findings The first, UCF completely removed 0.01 g L−1 Rhodamine B within 80 min. And, degradation rate of Rhodamine B is as high as 95% within 20 min. Some defects were observed, and the dominant microporous structures and high specific surface area were present. The heteroatom in the UCF effectively activated the sp2-hybridized carbon crystal lattice, leading to the creation of more activation sites in UCF. Different carbide temperatures also affected the degree of material graphitization, and UCF (700 °C) had rich defects and larger porous structures. Besides, Electron paramagnetic resonance and quenching experiments showed that UCF degradation systems acted via free and non-radical pathways. The mechanism of catalytic degradation and the reasonable source of heterogeneous atoms at the catalytic site were also proposed. The use of the discarded cigarette filter as a low-cost catalyst for persulfate has great potential.