The production of highly efficientvisible‐light‐driven electrospunα‐Fe2O3photocatalyst through modifying iron source material for wastewater treatment applications

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundHeterogeneous photocatalysis has been considered one of the most attractive methods in the wastewater remediation process due to allowing continuous re‐use, the reactions taking place at room temperature, and photocatalysts are inexpensive.ObjectiveWith the optimization of the structural properties of hematite at the nanometer level by utilizing engineering strategies such as morphology regulation, and shape control, it is possible to enhance its photocatalytic performance. The study's main objective is to improve photocatalytic performances of visible‐light photoactive hematite materials produced by engineering strategies.MethodsThe α‐Fe2O3photocatalyst fibres with highly porous were fabricated by electrospinning method, allowing extraordinary length, a large ratio of length to diameter, hierarchically porous structure, high surface area, small grain sizes, and high porosity.ResultsIn the heterogeneous photocatalysis of the electrospun α‐Fe2O3nanofibers against two model dyes representing anionic (MO) and cationic (RhB) characteristics, both electrospun α‐Fe2O3nanofibers showed good photocatalytic activity against used model pollutants. The α‐ α‐Fe2O3nanofibers produced using iron(III) chloride hexahydrate exhibited a higher photocatalytic degradation rate against both dye pollutants relative to the α‐ α‐Fe2O3nanofibers produced using iron(III) chloride.ConclusionsDepending on the used iron sources and associatively their final morphological characteristics, it was observed that their photocatalytic degradation performances were seriously affected. It is suggested that electrospun α‐Fe2O3nanofibers, especially those with highly porous and smaller diameters, are suitable candidates as a visible‐light‐driven semiconductor material to use in advanced oxidation processes for removing pollutants from wastewater.