In-situ preparation of Fe2O3 hierarchical arrays on stainless steel substrate for high efficient catalysis

Abstract

Hierarchical array catalysts with micro/nano structures on substrates not only possess high reactivity from large surface area and suitable interface, but intensify mass transfer through shortening the diffusion paths of both reactants and products for high catalytic efficiency. Herein, we first demonstrate fabrication of Fe2O3 hierarchical arrays grown on stainless-steel substrates via in-situ hydrothermal chemical oxidation followed by heat treatment in N2 atmosphere. As a Fenton-like catalyst, Fe2O3 hierarchical arrays exhibit excellent catalytic activity and life cycle performance for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation in aqueous solution in the presence of H2O2. The Fe2O3 catalyst with unique hierarchical structures and efficient transport channels, effectively activates H2O2 to generate large quantity of •OH radicals and highly promotes reaction kinetics between MB and •OH radicals. Immobilization of hierarchical array catalysts on stainless-steel can prevent particles agglomeration, facilitate the recovery and reuse of the catalysts, which is expected promising applications in wastewater remediation.