Oxidative Degradation of Methyl Orange Solution by Fe-MKSF Catalyst: Identification of Radical Species

Abstract

Iron–immobilized montmorillonite KSF (Fe-MKSF) has been recognized as promising catalyst in degrading persistence organic contaminants. However, detailed mechanistic insight during the catalysis which involving the formation and identification of radical species were remained indeterminate due to complex reaction. Inspiring by this gap, iron-immobilized clay (Fe-MKSF) was synthesized and used as heterogeneous catalyst in the oxidative degradation of methyl orange (MO) solution. Identification of radical species were determined through the inclusion of different types of radical scavenging agent during the Fenton-like reaction at optimum condition. Interestingly, dominant radical species were found to be hydroperoxyl radicals (•OOH) which subsequently followed by hydroxyl radicals (•OH) during the catalysis. Based on the percentage of MO removal, it was suggested that approximately 88% of the •OOH radicals existed at the interface of catalyst while 39% presence in bulk solution. Meanwhile, the interface •OH radicals promoted 38% of MO removal, whilst 4% by the bulk •OH radicals. Hence, these findings have conveyed novel insight on detailed radicals’ identification as well as its’ interaction during the catalysis.