Synthesis of heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst from iron rust and its application to degradation of Acid Red 97 in aqueous medium. Issue 3 (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghazzaf, H.; Nechchadi, B.; Jouali, A.; Salhi, A.; El Krati, M.; Tahiri, S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 10:Issue 3(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Iron rust -- Heterogeneous photo-Fenton -- Magnetic nanoparticles -- H2O2 -- Oxalic acid; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2022.107570
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized from iron rust waste and used as a catalyst for photo-Fenton degradation of Acid red 97 (AR97). The morphology and size of Fe3 O4 nanoparticles could be controlled by adding an appropriate amount of water as co-solvent in solvothermal treatment. For a comparative study, α-FeOOH and α-Fe2 O3 with nanorod shape were also prepared from iron rust and employed as photo-Fenton catalyst. The photo-Fenton degradation results showed that the prepared Fe3 O4 nanoparticles with spherical-like shape possessed higher catalytic activity than octahedral-shaped Fe3 O4, α-FeOOH, and α-Fe2 O3 . It was demonstrated that the synergetic effect between H2 O2 and oxalic acid (OA) led to an improvement in the catalytic efficiency of the photo-Fenton system towards AR97 degradation in awide pH range. At 180 min, about 81% of total organic carbon (TOC) was removed. Thus, the mineralization of organic matter is strongly involved during the photo-Fenton process. The quenching experiments showed that OH radical played a crucial role in the degradation of AR97 by Fe3 O4 /H2 O2 /OA/UV system. Benefiting from the high catalytic activity and easy magnetic separation, the prepared Fe3 O4 nanoparticles revealed good stability and reusability even after five consecutive cycles. This work offers a sustainable and effective way to recycle iron rust waste into an efficient catalyst for the degradation of organic contaminants in water. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Different iron oxides were successfully synthesized from iron rust waste. The catalytic activity of iron oxide is affected by its crystal structure, size and morphology. Fe3O4 nanoparticles show a good efficiency for degradation of AR97. Oxalic acid enhanced the degradation of AR97 in the heterogeneous photo Fenton system. The mineralization of organic matter is strongly involved during this photo-Fenton process.