Novel low-cost Fenton-like layered Fe-titanate catalyst: Preparation, characterization and application for degradation of organic colorants

• Novel low-cost Fenton-like layered Fe-titanate catalysts were synthesized.
• High decolorization efficiency for organic dyes of this catalyst was demonstrated.
• Fe-titanates could be used at a wide and near neutral pH range.
• Fe-titanates could be reused efficiently for the decolorization of dyes.
• A possible catalytic mechanism for the decolorization of dyes was proposed.

Novel low-cost layered Fe-titanate catalyst for photo-Fenton degradation of organic contaminants was successfully developed by ion exchange of Fe3+ with Na+ layered nano Na-titanates which was prepared by alkali hydrothermal method. The as prepared materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). The catalytic activity of the Fe-titanate catalyst was evaluated by the decolorization of three different dyes (rhodamine 6G (R6G), methyl blue (MB), and methyl orange (MO)) under UV irradiation at room temperature. Effect of several important factors such as Fe loading in the catalyst, initial solution pH, catalyst dosage, H2O2 amount, and reaction time was systematically studied. It was found that the decolorization was very efficient for all three dyes. The efficiency reached 98% for R6G, 98.5% for MB, and 97% for MO, respectively, under optimal conditions. The oxidation process was quick, and only 15 min is needed for all three dyes. Moreover, the Fe-titanate catalyst could be used in a wider and near neutral pH range compared with classic Fenton systems which need to be operated at around pH 3.0. Kinetic analysis results showed that the oxidation kinetics was accurately represented by pseudo-first-order model. More importantly, the catalyst was very stable and could be reused for at least four cycles when operated under near neutral pH. The Fe leaching from the catalyst measured was almost negligible, which not only demonstrated the stability of the catalyst, but also avoided the formation of secondary Fe pollution. Therefore, the reported Fe-titanates are promising nanomaterials which can be used as Fenton like catalyst for the degradation of organic contaminant in wastewater.

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