Preparation of FeCeOx by ultrasonic impregnation method for heterogeneous Fenton degradation of diclofenac

• FeCeOx was successfully prepared by ultrasonic impregnation method.
• The solid solution structure of FeCeOx with a lattice constriction was formed.
• Exposed crystalline plane (2 0 0) enhanced catalytic activity of FeCeOx.
• Oxygen vacancies took part in catalytic process and partial of them were oxidized.
• FeCeOx showed excellent chemical stability and could be reused at least five times.

FeCeOx has been successfully synthesized by ultrasonic impregnation method and applied in diclofenac removal in heterogeneous Fenton process. The effects of ultrasonic density, impregnation time, mole ratio of Fe and Ce and calcination temperature were investigated. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption, SEM, XRD, HRTEM, Raman and XPS analyses were characterized. Stability and reusability of FeCeOx were evaluated. The results indicated that 83% degradation efficiency of diclofenac was achieved by FeCeOx under the optimum preparation conditions. Fe ions were distributed uniformly in crystal structure and the solid solution structure of FeCeOx with a lattice constriction was formed. Exposed crystalline plane (2 0 0) with a relatively high surface energy may be the main reason to provide high catalytic activity of FeCeOx. Oxygen vacancies took part in catalytic process and a portion of them were oxidized after reaction. FeCeOx showed an excellent chemical stability and reusability in heterogeneous Fenton process.