Magnetic diatomite(Kieselguhr)/Fe2O3/TiO2 composite as an efficient photo-Fenton system for dye degradation

- Natural diatomite modified with Fe2O3 and TiO2 acts as heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst.
- Photocatalysts with easily separation and recovery.
- Reusable composites in the photo-Fenton degradation of methylene blue dye.

We explored the potential use of diatomite/Fe2O3/TiO2 composites as catalysts for heterogeneous photo-Fenton degradation of methylene blue under neutral pH. Such system consists in magnetic solids synthesized by co-precipitation with Fe2+/Fe3+ in the presence of diatomite, followed by impregnation of TiO2. The results showed that the optimal amount of the catalyst was 2.0 g L−1, since aggregation phenomena become significant above this concentration, which decreases the photodegradation activity. The catalyst is highly efficient in the degradation of methylene blue and shows an easy recovery by an external magnetic field. This allows for an effective catalyst reuse without significant loss of activity in catalytic cycles, which is a highly interesting prospect for recyclable dye degradation systems.

Potential use of diatomite/Fe2O3/TiO2 composites as recoverable heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts in the degradation of methylene blue.197