Development of amphiphilic materials based on electric arc furnace dust: potential application as oxidation catalysts

EAF, an electric arc furnace, is a residue from the steel industry that is generated in large quantities and classified as a hazardous substance in many industrialized nations. Hence, exploring novel approaches to repurpose this waste and mitigate its environmental footprint holds significance. This work objective is to transform EAF into a low-cost catalyst and possibly minimize the environmental liability due to its disposal in the soil. Amphiphilic materials were produced using EAF dust coated with carbon structures (EAF/C). The materials were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition at 700, 800, and 900 ℃ using ethanol as the carbon source. X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy analyses suggested that a reduced iron phase was produced by ethanol oxidation, producing carbon structures and iron. The materials showed amphiphilic features and exhibited remarkable magnetic due to iron metallic presence. The materials have strongly interacted with polar, nonpolar, and biphasic mediums. The EAF/C were utilized as biphasic media catalysts for benzyl alcohol oxidation and quinoline, consuming up to 43% of benzyl alcohol and 60% of quinoline. The benzyl alcohol oxidation presented 97% of selectivity for the aldehyde product. The biphasic oxidation Nt-butyl-α-phenylnitrone verified that the materials play a fundamental role in the catalytic transfer of hydroxyl radicals generated from the aqueous to the organic phase. The materials were also tested for oxidation of dye compounds, presenting the removal of 100%. The tests showed that the EAF can be used to obtain novel and efficient catalysts for oxidation processes.