Sr3MgSi2O8-activated hydrogen peroxide for the degradation of rhodamine B†

Green activators and catalysts have received attention from many researchers. In this work, a bis-alkaline earth silicate, Sr₃MgSi₂O₈ was prepared, characterized, and used as a green activator for degrading rhodamine B by hydrogen peroxide. The effects of the preparation conditions and media pH on the degradation efficiency were optimized. The results showed that Sr₃MgSi₂O₈ activated hydrogen peroxide to oxidize rhodamine B more effectively than magnesium and strontium silicate. The prepared Sr₃MgSi₂O₈ does not contain toxic metals, which is valuable in the search for green hydrogen peroxide activators. In addition, since Sr₃MgSi₂O₈ competes for protons in water, the whole system is strongly alkaline, this may be of great use in the direct treatment of alkaline wastewater.