Non-stoichiometric magnetite as catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of phenol and 2,6-dibromo-4-methylphenol – a new approach in water treatment

Phenol and 2,6-dibromo-4-methylphenol (DBMP) were removed from aqueous solutions by ozonolysis and photocatalysis. The properties and structural features of the catalysts and the organic compounds are discussed, as well as their influence on the degradation reaction rates. The degradation efficiency in photocatalytic processes was higher for DBMP (98%) than for phenol (approximately 50%). This proves the high efficiency of magnetite in the photocatalytic degradation of halogenated aromatic pollutants. The particularly high degradation efficiency regarding halogen-containing DBMP molecules and the yield of bromide ions indicate that DBMP degradation follows a mixed reduction–oxidation mechanism. DBMP molecules interact with the magnetite surface, enabling them to react with the available electrons, and, as a result, bromide ions can be released. The results confirm that magnetite is an effective photocatalyst in the degradation of halogenated aromatic pollutants.