Photo-Fenton reaction using a nanocomposite.

A laponite RD clay-based Fe nanocomposite (Fe-Lap-RD) has been synthesized by the so-called pillaring technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that the Fe-Lap-RD mainly consists of Fe2O3 (maghemite) crystallites and Fe2SiO10(OH)2 (iron silicate hydroxide) crystallites. The photo-catalytic activity of the Fe-Lap-RD for the degradation of an organic azo dye Orange II is examined. It is found that the rate of mineralization of Orange II is slower than that of discoloration. Under optimal conditions, 100% color and 70% total organic carbon (TOC) of 0.2 mM Orange II can be removed in 45 and 90 minutes, respectively. In addition, the performance of a strongly acidic type of ion exchange resin based catalyst as a heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst for the degradation of salicylic acid is also discussed.

[1]  E. Oliveros,et al.  Oxidative Degradation of Polyvinyl Alcohol by the Photochemically Enhanced Fenton Reaction. Evidence for the Formation of Super-Macromolecules , 2001 .

[2]  A. K. Pikaev.  Sixth International Conference on Advanced Oxidation Technologies for Water and Air Remediation , 2001 .

[3]  Hy Y. Zhu,et al.  Engineering the structures of nanoporous clays with micelles of alkyl polyether surfactants , 2001 .

[4]  J. Hilborn,et al.  Evidence for Fenton Photoassisted Processes Mediated by Encapsulated Fe ions at Biocompatible pH Values , 2000 .

[5]  C. Liao,et al.  Peroxidation treatment of dye manufacturing wastewater in the presence of ultraviolet light and ferrous ions , 1999 .

[6]  Pa Buffat,et al.  Photoassisted Fenton Degradation of Nonbiodegradable Azo Dye (Orange II) in Fe-Free Solutions Mediated by Cation Transfer Membranes , 1999 .

[7]  Javier Fernandez,et al.  Efficient photo-assisted Fenton catalysis mediated by Fe ions on Nafion membranes active in the abatement of non-biodegradable azo-dye , 1998 .

[8]  E. Oliveros,et al.  Large scale development of a light-enhanced fenton reaction by optimal experimental design , 1997 .

[9]  S. Martin,et al.  Environmental Applications of Semiconductor Photocatalysis , 1995 .

[10]  C. Pulgarin,et al.  Effect of Fenton and photo-Fenton reactions on the degradation and biodegradability of 2 and 4-nitrophenols in water treatment , 1994 .

[11]  J. Pignatello.  Dark and photoassisted Fe3+ -catalyzed degradation of chlorophenoxy herbicides by hydrogen peroxide , 1992 .

[12]  C. Breen.  Pillared Layered Structures: Current Trends and Applications , 1992, Clay Minerals.

[13]  I. V. Mitchell.  Pillared layered structures : current trends and applications , 1990 .

[14]  B. Faust,et al.  Photolysis of Fe (III)-hydroxy complexes as sources of OH radicals in clouds, fog and rain , 1990 .

[15]  T. Pinnavaia,et al.  Intercalated Clay Catalysts , 1983, Science.