Novel Fe encapsulated montmorillonite K10 clay for photo-Fenton mineralization of Acid Yellow 17

Abstract

A novel Fe encapsulated montmorillonite K10 clay has been prepared by solid state dispersion method and characterized by FT-IR, SEM-EDS, ICP-AES and BET surface area measurements. XRD analysis suggests that iron in the catalyst exists as FeOOH. ICP-AES analysis shows increase in Fe(III) concentration from 35 to 457 ppm on immobilization of Fe on montmorillonite K10 clay. EDS analysis of SEM images also confirm the presence of Fe in the catalyst. The catalyst has been applied for photodegradation of Acid Yellow 17 in the presence of H₂O₂ under UV light. Effect of <i>p</i>H on mineralization of the dye has been studied in detail. The initial <i>p</i>H influences not only the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst but also the Fe leaching from the catalyst. Unlike homo-Fenton catalysts, the proposed catalyst exhibits good activity and stability even at neutral <i>p</i>H 7 (75 % at 60 min irradiation). Further, lowest leaching of Fe(III) at <i>p</i>H 7 makes the catalyst suitable for dye wastewater treatment at neutral <i>p</i>H.