Wang, C.Kang, J.Liang, P.Zhang, H.Sun, H.Tadé, M.O.Wang, S.2018-11-062018-11-062017Environmental Science: Nano, 2017; 4(1):170-1792051-81532051-8161http://hdl.handle.net/2440/115799Print edition (ISSN 2051-8153) is obsolete. eISSN entered is active. Published on 10 November 2016Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulating iron carbide (Fe₃C) nanocrystals (Fe₃C@NCNT) were fabricated by a simple and direct pyrolysis method using melamine and ferric chloride as the C, N and Fe precursors. The surface morphology, structure and composition of the Fe₃C@NCNT materials were thoroughly investigated. The nanomaterials were employed as novel catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation; outstanding efficiency, high stability and excellent reusability were observed in the catalytic oxidation of organics. The encapsulated Fe₃C nanoparticles played a key role in the emerging synergetic effects of the carbide and the protective graphitic layers. In addition, the quaternary N and trace amounts of iron on the CNT surface acted as the active sites. Various quenching experiments were carried out to elucidate the catalytic mechanism of Fe₃C@NCNT. It was found that singlet oxygen, superoxide, sulfate and hydroxyl radicals worked together to degrade phenol solutions. Due to their simple synthesis method, low-cost precursors, unique structure and excellent catalytic activity and stability, these novel iron-carbide-based composites have great potential as new strategic materials for environmental catalysis.enThis journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2017. Open Access Article. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.Journal article003009656010.1039/C6EN00397D0003947770000162-s2.0-85010297840435492Wang, S. [0000-0002-1751-9162]