Sulfite activation by ZnO-encapsulated hydrogels for degradation of trimethylphenol

Trimethylphenol is an organic toxic byproduct of industrial process,which is difficult to be eliminated through conventional degradation without harsh conditions.In this work,a sulfite-based oxidation process activated by ZnO-embedded hydrogel was studied for the degradation of 2,4,6-trimethylphenols in the ambient conditions.The ZnO/Na_(2)SO_(3)oxidative system can effectively degrade trimethylphenol via the generation of radicals such as SO_(4)^(-)·,OH·,and SO_(3)^(−)·.The presence of hydrogel matrix facilitates the distribution and recyclability of ZnO catalysts while maintaining high degradation kinetics and little leaching of metal ions.Results suggest the promising potential of ZnO-hydrogel in wastewater treatment with good performance in terms of pH sensitivity,anion interference,recyclability,etc.The combination of ZnO catalysts,hydrogel,and sulfite-based advanced oxidation process may provide essential support for the current treatment of alkylated phenols with strong potential in the commercial scale-ups.