Resource utilization of waste masks in simultaneous high efficient removal of Light Green SF and Cr(VI) via microwave catalytic technology

In recent years, the improper disposal of unprecedented amounts of surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to serious environmental pollution. This work intends to convert the waste masks into microwave (MW) responsive catalysts through a carbonization process to deal with the serious light green SF (LG) and Cr(VI) pollution. A series of novel waste mask derived-carbon/carbon nanotube/ZnFe2O4 (WMC/ZFO) catalysts were thus synthesized. Furthermore, the synergistic catalytic effect of these catalysts resulted in the highly efficient simultaneous removal of both LG and Cr(VI) from their mixed solutions (LG of 20 mg/L, and Cr (VI) of 50 mg/L) under MW irradiation. The remarkable catalytic activity of the catalysts was attributed to the MW induced "hot spots" effect. The "conversion of waste masks into catalysts for pollution treatment" strategy in this work can be a promising way to effectively dispose the massive waste masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve wastewater purification as well.