A study of the preparation and reactivity of potassium ferrate

In the context of water treatment, the ferrate ([FeO4]2−) ion has long been known for its strong oxidizing power and for producing a coagulant from its reduced form (i.e. Fe(III)). However, it has not been studied extensively owing to difficulties with its preparation and its instability in water. This paper describes an improved procedure for preparing solid phase potassium ferrate of high purity (99%) and with a high yield (50–70%). The characteristics of solid potassium ferrate were investigated and from XRD spectra it was found that samples of the solid have a tetrahedral structure with a space group of D2h (Pnma) and a = 7.705 Å, b = 5.863 Å, and c = 10.36 Å. The aqueous stability of potassium ferrate at various pH values and different concentrations was investigated. It was found that potassium ferrate solution had a maximum stability at pH 9–10 and that ferrate solution at low concentration (0.25 mM) was more stable than at high concentration (0.51 mM). The aqueous reaction of ferrate with bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disrupter compound, was also investigated with a molar ratio of Fe(VI):BPA in the range of 1:1–5:1. The optimal pH for BPA degradation was 9.4, and at this pH and a Fe(VI):BPA molar ratio of 5:1, approximately 90% of the BPA was degraded after 60 s.