Revealing the potential of functionalized FeS2 composites as efficient photocatalysts for improved removal of cationic and anionic dyes

IF 2.5 Q2 CHEMISTRY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Results in Chemistry Pub Date : 2025-04-23 DOI:10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102281

Vahid Mohammadbeigi, Ebrahim Allahkarami, Amirreza Azadmehr

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Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of pyrite (FeS₂) through functionalization with silanol (SiO₂) and silanol-amino (SiO₂-NH₂) groups to optimize its adsorption and photocatalytic performance for removing cationic (methylene blue, MB) and anionic (methyl orange, MO) dyes. Functionalized core-shell composites, Pyrite@SiO₂ and Pyrite@SiO₂-NH₂, were synthesized via a sol-gel process using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTS). Comprehensive characterization through XRF, XRD, FT-IR, TEM, UV–vis DRS, and BET analysis revealed spherical nanoparticles with smooth surfaces and uniform SiO₂/SiO₂-NH₂ coatings (200–300 nm thick). Functionalization significantly increased the specific surface area from 0.64 m²/g (raw pyrite) to 3.21 m²/g, enhancing pollutant interaction sites. Adsorption dominated over photocatalytic degradation under both UV and dark conditions, with maximum capacities of 36.5 mg/g (MO) and 34.0 mg/g (MB) at 298 K. Kinetic studies aligned with the pseudo-second-order model, while mass transfer analysis identified intraparticle diffusion as the primary mechanism. Although UV irradiation marginally improved dye removal, surface charge modification via SiO₂-NH₂ groups notably enhanced MO adsorption through electrostatic interactions. These findings underscore pyrite's potential as a cost-effective, efficient adsorbent for wastewater treatment, with surface functionalization offering a strategic avenue to tailor affinity for target pollutants, prioritizing adsorption over photocatalytic approaches.

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揭示了功能化FeS2复合材料作为高效光催化剂的潜力，以改善阳离子和阴离子染料的去除

本文研究了硅烷醇（SiO₂）和硅烷醇-氨基（SiO₂- nh2）官能团对黄铁矿（FeS₂）的增强作用，以优化其对阳离子（亚甲基蓝，MB）和阴离子（甲基橙，MO）染料的吸附和光催化性能。以正硅酸四乙酯（TEOS）和3-氨基丙基三乙氧基硅烷（APTS）为原料，采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了功能化核壳复合材料Pyrite@SiO₂和Pyrite@SiO₂-NH₂。通过XRF、XRD、FT-IR、TEM、UV-vis DRS和BET等综合表征，发现了表面光滑的球形纳米颗粒和均匀的sio2 / sio2 - nh2涂层（200-300 nm厚）。功能化显著增加了比表面积，从0.64 m2/g（原黄铁矿）增加到3.21 m2/g，增加了污染物的相互作用位点。在紫外和暗条件下，光催化降解以吸附为主，298 K下的最大容量为36.5 mg/g （MO）和34.0 mg/g （MB）。动力学研究与伪二阶模型一致，而传质分析确定颗粒内扩散是主要机制。虽然紫外线照射略微改善了染料的去除，但通过SiO₂-NH₂基团进行的表面电荷修饰显著增强了通过静电相互作用对MO的吸附。这些发现强调了黄铁矿作为一种经济高效的废水处理吸附剂的潜力，表面功能化提供了一种战略途径来定制对目标污染物的亲和力，优先考虑吸附而不是光催化方法。

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