α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles/vermiculite composites prepared for catalytic decomposition of polystyrene

Abstract

The chemical recycling waste of polystyrene (PS) is expected to be recycled into styrene monomer. Among the most commonly used catalysts in the catalytic degradation of PS are base-promoted α-Fe2O3 (hematite) catalysts. In industrial catalysis, nanoparticles/clay mineral composites as catalysts could not only offer active species thanks to larger pores and surface area but make the separation of the used catalysts easier. The expandable layers of clay minerals provide useful two-dimensional hosts, which facilitate introduction and docking of catalytically active metal oxide nanoparticles. Acid/base catalysts to provide styrene monomers. The aim of this work is to investigate and compare pure nanoparticles α-Fe2O3 and those nanoparticles anchored on/in α-Fe2O3/vermiculite composites, prepared from the precursor solution of ferric chloride and precipitates NaOH and NH4OH on different vermiculites. The functionality difference of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles/Ver composites as catalysts for degradation of polystyrene is assumed based on the findings that the precipitating agents and vermiculite surface have a significant effect on the crystal growth and structure symmetry of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles.