Photocatalytic reaction over iron hydroxides: A novel visible-light-responsive photocatalyst

Photocatalytic properties of iron hydroxide (FeOOH) particles prepared by a hydrothermal method were estimated under visible-light irradiation. Hydrothermal treatment in the presence of ethanol induced α-FeOOH (goethite) formation even under an acidic condition, while the presence of chloride ion led to preferential formation of β-FeOOH (akaganeite). α-FeOOH particles with largest specific surface area showed the highest photocatalytic activity among commercial and prepared FeOOH samples and exhibited total decomposition of acetaldehyde even under visible-light irradiation. The progress of photocatalytic reaction may be due to multi-electron reduction of oxygen over FeOOH particles.

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► α-FeOOH particles were prepared by a hydrothermal method in the presence of ethanol.
► α-FeOOH particles with largest specific surface area showed the highest photocatalytic activity.
► α-FeOOH particles were prepared by a hydrothermal method in the presence of ethanol.
► Higher visible-light activity of α-FeOOH was observed, compared to commercial TiO2.