Abstract
In this present study, Fe2O3-TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized and used to degrade real industrial
wastewater, namely pulp and paper mill effluent (PPME). Fe2O3-TiO2 was synthesized via ball milling at
ambient conditions without incorporating any solvent. Comprehensive characterization studies and
photocatalytic evaluations of the synthesized Fe2O3-TiO2 were conducted in this study. It was verified
that Fe2O3-TiO2 possessed crystalline structures of g-Fe2O3, anatase and rutile TiO2. Also, a good
dispersion of Fe and O elements within the TiO2 framework was attained. A detection of FeeOeTi bond
elucidated a substitution of Ti4þ by Fe3þ in the TiO2 lattice sites through mechanical milling, which ultimately
enhanced the photocatalytic activities of Fe2O3-TiO2. Moreover, Fe2O3-TiO2 exhibited enhanced
catalytic properties in terms of specific surface area (58.40 m2/g), band gap (2.95 eV), and charge separation
in comparison with commercial P25. The present work also proved that both characteristics and
photoactivity of Fe2O3-TiO2 were significantly affected by its synthesis conditions (milling time, milling
speed, and Fe2O3 loading). The highest treatment efficiency of PPME (62.3% of chemical oxygen demand
or COD removal) was achieved using Fe2O3-TiO2, which was synthesized at 20 min, 250 rpm and 1 mol%
of milling time, milling speed, and Fe2O3 loading, respectively. Noticeably, the photoactivity of the Fe2O3-
TiO2 was more superior to P25 (40.6% of COD removal). This study proved that mechanochemical process
enabled the green synthesis of Fe2O3-TiO2 that could be used in the treatment of real industrial
wastewater.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 496-507 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Alloys and Compounds |
Volume | 695 |
Early online date | 4 Oct 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 25 Feb 2017 |
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Profiles
-
Wennie Subramonian
- Centre for Sustainable Engineering
- SCEDT Engineering - Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering
Person: Academic