Composite Fe2O3 and ZrO2/Al2O3 photocatalyst: Preparation, characterization, and studies on the photocatalytic activity and chemical stability

A new composite photocatalyst (Fe2O3 and ZrO2/Al2O3) combining the properties of both semiconductor and Fenton like catalyst was prepared by loading the Fe2O3 and ZrO2 on an aluminum oxide support through a sol–gel method. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, TEM, SEM, ICP-AES, and XPS. The results show that the Fe2O3 and ZrO2 are well loaded on the support, and the crystallite phase composition of the catalyst is α-Fe2O3, monoclinic and tetragonal ZrO2 and η-Al2O3. The catalyst shows high catalytic activity in phenol photodegradation reaction with the phenol conversion efficiency higher than 93% at experimental conditions (catalyst dose, 1.0 g L−1; H2O2 dose, 50 mM; solution pH, 6.0). After two runs of regeneration, the activity of the catalyst shows only a slight decrease. The XPS analysis of the fresh and regenerated catalyst reveals that both the surface elemental composition and their chemical state keep stable. This study presented a new type of photocatalyst for degradation of refractory organic pollutants.

A new composite photocatalyst (Fe2O3 and ZrO2/Al2O3) combining the properties of both semiconductor and Fenton like catalyst was prepared, and it exhibits high catalytic activity and favorable chemical stability during the phenol photodegradation reaction.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Prepared a novel catalyst with the properties of both semiconductor and Fenton like catalyst.
► High catalytic activity in phenol photodegradation reaction (93%).
► Favorable chemical stability of the catalyst during the photocatalytic process.