【题目】Biochar and activated carbon catalytic thermal decomposition of polybrominated diphenyl ethers at low-temperature:Efficiency, mechanisms, and intermediate evolution tracking

【期刊】Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

【第一作者】温美会

【摘要】Biochar (BC) and activated carbon (AC) are widely used adsorbents for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). However, regeneration of PBDE-loaded carbon adsorbents typically requires high temperatures, resulting in high energy consumption and potential formation of brominated dioxins. Developing low-temperature decomposition strategies for PBDEs during carbon regeneration is therefore important. This study found that catalytic thermal decomposition of PBDEs over BC and AC achieved efficient decomposition at low temperatures (150–300 °C), with inhibition of dioxin formation. All seven carbon materials enhanced BDE-47 degradation at 300 °C. Corn stalk BC exhibited the highest activity, achieving 98.20% degradation within 60 min and a 37-fold rate increase. Arrhenius analysis indicated BC increased the frequency factor, suggesting enhanced reaction probability. Structural characterization showed that the mesoporous structure of BC provides accessible reaction interfaces, while oxygen-containing functional groups facilitate radical formation. Product analysis revealed that these radicals likely alter reaction pathways, suppressing toxic higher-brominated dibenzofurans and reducing overall product toxicity. BC also enhanced decomposition of tri‑ to hepta‑brominated congeners, confirming the radical‑mediated mechanism and its broad applicability. These findings provide mechanistic insights into carbon-catalyzed low-temperature PBDEs decomposition, which is relevant to the treatment of PBDE-contaminated carbon materials and the control of PBDEs emissions during e-waste thermal treatment.

【文章链接】https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2026.122877