Photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4 under solar radiation

Abstract

Decolorization of red azo dye (Cibacron Red FN-R) in simulated wastewater has been investigated as a function of solar photocatalytic process by using Fe3O4. Different parameters that affected on the removal efficiency, such as influent dye concentration, pH of dye solution, catalyst dosage, and H2O2 concentration, all these factors were evaluated to find the optimal operation conditions. Additionally, pH, ORP (oxidation reduction potential) and Ec (electrical conductivity) of the solution was monitored to assess the degradation of dye. From the experimental results, the desired pH value for solar photocatalytic Fe3O4 was 6.5 and the best catalysis dosage was 300mg/L. In addition, the most efficient H2O2 concentration was 200 mg/L for Fe3O4.The mathematical models that describe the photocatalytic process have been predicted by using response surface methodology (RSM). The decolorization efficiency of reactive red dye using Fe3O4 under solar radiation was around 85.51%.