Abstract

In this work, FeM composites consisting of montmorillonite and variable amounts of Fe3O4 were successfully synthesized via a facile co-precipitation process. They were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques to explain the effect of Fe3O4 content on the physicochemical properties of the Fe3O4-montmorillonite (FeM) composites. The FeM composites were subsequently used as heterogeneous Fenton catalysts to activate green oxidant (H2O2) for the subsequent degradation of ofloxacin (OFL) antibiotic. The efficiency of the FeM composites was studied by varying various parameters of Fe3O4 loading on montmorillonite, catalyst dosage, initial solution pH, initial OFL concentration, different oxidants, H2O2 dosage, reaction temperature, inorganic salts, and solar irradiation. Under the conditions of 0.75 g/L FeM-10, 5 mL/L H2O2, and natural pH, almost 81% of 50 mg/L of OFL was removed within 120 min in the dark, while total organic carbon (TOC) reduction was about 56%. Moreover, the FeM-10 composite maintained high efficiency and was stable even after four continuous cycles, making it a promising candidate in real wastewater remediation.

Highlights

  • For the past few years, the high consumption of antibiotics has resulted in their continuous detection in surface, ground, drinking, and wastewater around the world [1]

  • Characterization of Bare Montmorillonite and Fe3O4-Montmorillonite Composites X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra in Figure 1. revealed that Mg, O, C, Ca, Si, and Al existed on the surface of bare montmorillonite

  • In addition to Mg, O, C, Ca, Si and Al, the spectra of FeM composites confirms the existence of Fe

Read more

Summary

Introduction

For the past few years, the high consumption of antibiotics has resulted in their continuous detection in surface, ground, drinking, and wastewater around the world [1]. Fe3O4 nanoparticles have received significant attention due to their low toxicity and biocompatibility properties [9]. Another type of potential heterogeneous catalyst that has gained attention involved immobilization of Fe3O4 on solid supports [10]. Such immobilization prevents agglomeration and enhances the dispersibility of Fe3O4, the choice of appropriate support is critical [11]. A heterogeneous catalyst (Fe3O4-montmorillonite (FeM)) was synthesized via a facile co-precipitation process and used to activate green oxidant (H2O2) for the subsequent degradation of ofloxacin (OFL). Proc. 2020, 1, Firstpage-Lastpage; doi: FOR PEER REVIEW www.mdpi.com/journal/chemproc

Experimental
Results and Discussion
Photo-Fenton Catalytic Activity
Conclusion
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.