Abstract
In this work, catalysts based on niobium oxide modified with iron oxide were developed for the photocatalytic treatment of effluents contaminated with dyes. The catalysts were prepared, in different proportions of niobium and iron, using niobium ammonium oxalate salts, iron nitrate and ammonium acetate and calcination at 400 °C. The solids were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform, measured at zero point charge and evaluated in adsorption, Fenton reaction type advanced oxidation and methylene blue heterogeneous photocatalysis. It was observed that the increase in niobium concentration increased the values of point of zero charge and decreased the reaction system final pH. The solid with Fe/Nb2 ratio showed the best performance as an adsorbent and in oxidation reaction, followed by the one with Fe / Nb1.5 ratio. The solids showed practically the same result (1.8 eV), in addition, the presence of iron niobite (Fe/Nb1) favored the photocatalytic system.
Highlights
Industrial effluents, rich in toxic organic compounds, have generated high pollution to the environment
The reduction and dispersion of niobium oxide particles may have occurred, contributing for the predominant evidence of iron oxide crystalline structure shown by the technique [11]
Solids based on iron oxide and niobium oxide were developed in different Fe / Nb ratios, using complexing precursor salts and heat treatment at 400 °C, characterized and evaluated in the Fenton reaction and photocatalysis
Summary
Industrial effluents, rich in toxic organic compounds, have generated high pollution to the environment. The increase in water consumption reinforces the importance of efficient treatments for the degradation of various organic pollutants which are characterized by resistance to conventional treatments and long residence time in the environment. This promotes a constant search for physical-chemical processes that can remove these contaminants efficiently and at a low cost [1]. A variety of processes have been proposed, some of which are widely used industrially, such as the flotation / sedimentation system and activated carbon adsorption [1]. The treatment by biological processes, on the other hand, decomposes the pollutant; it is limited, not being efficient in the degradation of organochlorines and phenols, for example [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
