In-situ activation of Fe78Si9B13 metallic glasses for electro-Fenton degradation of industrial oily wastewater

Metallic glasses (MGs) with superior catalytic properties have attracted widespread attention towards organic wastewater remediation. However, the low degradation efficiency of industrial oily wastewater by the con-ventional ways and materials hinders practical applications. Herein, Fe78Si9B13 MGs as highly efficient electrodes exhibit excellent catalytic performance for electro-Fenton degradation of oily wastewater for the first time. The oil removal rate and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate are as high as 81.8% and 77.3% within 120 min under optimum experimental parameters. Compared to other electrode materials, Fe78Si9B13 MG electrodes possess the more preferable catalytic capability. Additionally, two degradation processes related to direct oxidation of electrochemical action and mediated oxidation of activated radicals may be accurately certified. These findings will develop a functional material and provide a potential approach for environmental applica-tions of purification of refractory organic contaminants.