Highly efficient visible light active iron oxide-based photocatalysts

What is it about?

Photocatalysis is essential for wastewater cleanup and clean energy, and in this current study, we have synthesized nanomaterials (iron oxide-based) for photocatalytic pollution degradation and hydrogen production. The performance of aluminium oxide/ferric oxide (Al2O3/Fe2O3), samarium oxide/ferric oxide (Sm2O3/Fe2O3) and yttrium oxide/ferric oxide (Y2O3/Fe2O3) were compared for the production of hydrogen (H2) and degradation of dye under natural sunlight. Various characterisation equipment was used to characterize these photocatalysts’ structure, morphology, elemental content, binding energy and band gap. The hydrogen recovery efficiency of iron oxide-based photocatalysts from sulphide-containing wastewater is assessed. Y2O3/Fe2O3 has shown the highest hydrogen production of 340 mL/h. The influence of operating factors such as sulphide ion concentration, catalyst quantity, and photocatalyst photolytic solution volume on hydrogen production is studied. The optimal values were 0.25 M, 0.2 g/L, and 1L, respectively. The developed photocatalyst passed multiple cycles of stability testing. Fe2O3 has shown the highest Rhodamine B (RhB) dye degradation efficiency of 94% under visible light.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

the growing need for renewable energy production and environmental protection through photocatalytic processes. Iron oxide-based photocatalysts, such as Fe2O3 composites, are highlighted for their efficiency in producing hydrogen from wastewater and degrading pollutants like Rhodamine B dye. The synthesis of novel iron oxide composites with aluminum, samarium, and yttrium oxides shows enhanced photocatalytic activity due to improved charge separation and an increased number of active sites. The text details the methods for synthesizing and characterizing these photocatalysts, emphasizing their potential for environmental sustainability and clean energy production.

Perspectives