Preparation of a New and Effective Heterogeneous Catalyst for Treatment of Organic Pollutant Using Fenton Process

Abstract

In the present study, the fabrication and application of a magnetically separable catalyst for degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye using Fenton process were explored using an efficient octahedral Fe₃O₄-graphene oxide (OFe-GO) nanocomposite. By employing a simple ultrasonic process, the OFe-GO catalyst was successfully prepared through the immobilization of OFe onto the GO support. Various characterization methods were used to fully explore the crystalline character, morphological surface, chemical state and magnetic property of the prepared catalyst substances. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as a green oxidant, the catalytic performance of RhB degradation using the proposed magnetic catalyst was explored. The experimental factors affected on the Fenton performance such as solution pH, catalyst concentration and H₂O₂ concentration were evaluated and optimized. Using the established protocol, 50 mg mL⁻¹ of RhB can be completely at 15 min reaction time. Additionally, the used OFe-GO catalyst can be regenerated without losing the degradation performance for at least five cycles. Because of notable catalytic efficiency, fast degradation, and operational stability, the OFe-GO can be considered as an effective and separable catalyst for decolorization of dye-containing wastewater.

Graphical Abstract