Novel NaY zeolite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron as an efficient heterogeneous Fenton catalyst

NaY zeolite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI/NaY) was synthesized by in-situ reduction of exchanged iron ions. Composition and structural characterization showed that α-Fe nanoparticles (50–100 nm) were supported on the surface of NaY zeolite. Catalytic efficiency of the composite powders was tested in degradation of potassium acid phthalate (KHP) solution (425 mg/L). At pH 3.5, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal ratio reached 79%. The NZVI/NaY exhibited efficient catalytic activity close to that of iron homogeneous catalyst but with less than 50% leaching of iron cations. Further, it performed well under much wider pH range (pH 1.7–5) compared to classic Fenton reagent, providing potential alternative as a novel heterogeneous Fenton catalyst for environmental remediation.