BACKGROUND: AnewFe/AC heterogeneous Fenton-like catalystwas prepared using a dipping-sintering method. The prepared catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The decolorization of Sunset Yellow was conducted in a self-designed pulsed high-voltage discharge system by the catalysis of the prepared heterogeneous catalyst. Effects of preparation conditions of catalyst (carriermaterial, sintering temperature and dipping time) and operating conditions (catalyst dosage, pH and treatmentmethod) on decolorization efficiency were investigated. RESULTS: Spherical activated carbon (AC) was selected as the carrier material and the optimal dipping time and sintering temperature were 8 h and 350 degrees C, respectively. The efficiency of decolorization of Sunset Yellow was above 90% after 30min of a pulsed high-voltage discharge process with 5 g heterogeneous catalyst and at pH 2.00. The utilization of copper mesh not only enhanced the decolorization of Sunset Yellow but also facilitated the reusability of the prepared heterogeneous catalyst. The efficiency of decolorization of Sunset Yellow with prepared Fe/AC heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst (5 g) was even a little higher than thatwith homogeneous catalyst (1.635 mmol L-1 Fe2+). The decolorization efficiency remained above 90% after ten recycles of the catalyst, indicating that the prepared heterogeneous catalyst has good stability and reusability. In addition, a possible catalytic mechanism for the decolorization reaction in a pulsed high-voltage discharge system with prepared Fe/AC heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst was proposed by determination of H2O2 and u OH concentrations in deionized water. CONCLUSIONS: The prepared Fe/AC heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst efficiently degrades Sunset Yellow wastewater in a pulsed high-voltage discharge system. (C) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry