Catalytic Ozonation of Oxalic Acid in the Presence of Fe2O3-Loaded Activated Carbon

ABSTRACT

The activity and optimum condition of metal-loaded activated carbon catalyst (Me/AC) for oxalic acid (OA) ozonation were evaluated. Results showed that Fe-loaded activated carbon (Fe/AC) showed better activity in five kinds of Me/AC catalysts prepared by a dipping method. Fe catalyst, crystallizing as γ-Fe₂O₃, dispersed well on AC surface. Fe₂O₃/AC, with 1.12% Fe weight ratio and 450°C calcination temperature and showed better activity for OA ozonation. 89.2% of OA was removed in the Fe₂O₃/AC/O₃ process, which was higher than those in AC/O₃ (79.6%) and O₃ (3.2%) processes. The calcination process helped to promote adsorption capability and catalytic activity of AC. In addition, Surface hydroxyl groups played a key role in Fe₂O₃/AC’s catalytic activity. Acidic condition was more favorable for OA removal in the Fe₂O₃/AC/O₃ process. A hydroxyl radical (?OH) oxidation mechanism was proven in Fe₂O₃/AC/O₃. The catalytic activity of Fe₂O₃/AC remained satisfactory after several cycles, indicating that Fe₂O₃/AC had a good reusability property.     

ZnO/Cr2O3 catalyst for reverse-water-gas-shift reaction of CAMERE process

The stability and the activity of Fe₂O₃/Cr₂O₃ and ZnO/Cr₂O₃ catalysts were examined for a reverse-watergas-shift reaction (RWReaction). The initial activities of those catalysts were quite high so that the conversion reached close to equilibrium. The activity of Fe₂O₃/Cr₂O₃ catalyst decreased from 33.5 to 29.8% during the RWReaction for 75 h at 873 K with GHSV (ml/gcat · h) of 100,000. Moreover, the coke formation on the Fe₂O₃/Cr₂O₃ catalyst caused clogging in the RWReactor of the CAMERE process. On the other hand, the ZnO/Cr₂O₃ catalyst showed no coke formation and no deactivation for the RWReaction at 873 K with GHSV (ml/gcat · h) of 150,000. The ZnO/Cr₂O₃ was a good catalyst for the RWReaction of the CAMERE process.     

Response surface methodology approach for the optimization of tartrazine removal by heterogeneous photo-Fenton process using mesostructured Fe2O3-suppoted ZSM-5 prepared by chitin-templating

A statistical optimization of tartrazine dye removal process from aqueous solution by heterogeneous photo–Fenton process using Fe₂O₃-supported ZSM-5 catalyst was performed. ZSM-5 support was prepared by chitin-templating technique to obtain a mesoporous structure. Thereafter, Fe₂O₃ was supported on ZSM-5 through wet impregnation method. This material was characterized by different techniques and posteriorly evaluated as a catalyst for the removal of tartrazine from aqueous solution. A central composite rotational design coupled with response surface methodology approach was used to evaluate the influence of different reaction conditions on the decolorization of a solution containing tartrazine and to obtain the optimum conditions. Under the optimum experimental conditions of dye decolorization, a mineralization experiment was conducted through analysis of total organic carbon. In these conditions, 95% of decolorization was achieved at 30?min of reaction and a significant mineralization of 80% was observed at 180?min. Therefore, the photo-Fenton process using Fe₂O₃-supported ZSM-5 prepared by chitin-templating was proved to be feasible for both the decolorization and mineralization of tartrazine in aqueous solution.     

Synthesis of Heterogeneous Li<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>5</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> Nanostructured Anodes with Long-Term Cycle Stability

The 0D-1D Lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂) heterogeneous nanostructures were synthesized through the solvothermal reaction using lithium hydroxide monohydrate (Li(OH)·H₂O) and protonated trititanate (H₂Ti₃O₇) nanowires as the templates in an ethanol/water mixed solvent with subsequent heat treatment. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) were used to reveal that the Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ powders had 0D-1D heterogeneous nanostructures with nanoparticles (0D) on the surface of wires (1D). The composition of the mixed solvents and the volume ratio of ethanol modulated the primary particle size of the Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ nanoparticles. The Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ heterogeneous nanostructures exhibited good capacity retention of 125 mAh/g after 500 cycles at 1C and a superior high-rate performance of 114 mAh/g at 20C.     

Study of intrinsic sulfidation behavior of Fe2O3 for high temperature H2S removal

Iron-based sorbent was preferable for desulfurization from coal-derived gas due to economic consideration and favorable dynamic property. The intrinsic behavior of Fe-based sorbent should be primarily understood in the sulfidation process for improving its performance. A series of tests were carried out with Fe₂O₃, Fe and other compounds containing-Fe (FO) made from the same precursor FeC₂O₄·2H₂O in H₂S-N₂ mixture in this study. The formation of H₂ was observed with Fe and FO as sorbents. While SO₂ was detected with FO and Fe₂O₃ as sorbents, its concentration in outlet was gradually decreased. The crystal phase and surface chemical state of fresh and sulfided Fe₂O₃ with different reaction times were characterized by XRD and XPS measurements. The result suggested that the intrinsic H₂S removal by Fe₂O₃ would produce multi-phase of sulfides. The possible mechanism of sulfidation reaction was discussed.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of vanadium pentoxide nanostructures and their morphology control

Different morphologies of vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) from 1D to 3D, including nanospheres, nanowires, urchin-like and flower-like nanostructures, have been synthetized by a simple hydrothermal method. Some parameters, such as the reaction temperature, the volume of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and possible formation mechanisms of different V₂O₅ nanostructures were discussed. The results demonstrate that PVP and the reaction temperature play a critical role on the morphology of vanadium pentoxide.     

Sonochemical synthesis and characterization of magnetic separable Fe3O4–TiO2 nanocomposites and their catalytic properties

A novel sonochemical method is described for the preparation of Fe₃O₄–TiO₂ photocatalysts in which nanocrystalline titanium dioxide particles are directly coated onto a magnetic core. The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were partially embedded in TiO₂ agglomerates. TiO₂ nanocrystallites were obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of titanium tetraisopropyl in the presence of ethanol and water under high-intensity ultrasound irradiation. This method is attractive since it eliminated the high-temperature heat treatment required in the conventional sol–gel method, which is important in transforming amorphous titanium dioxide into a photoactive crystalline phase. In comparison to other methods, the developed method is simple, mild, green and efficient. The magnetization hysteresis loop for Fe₃O₄–TiO₂ nanocomposites indicates that the hybrid catalyst shows superparamagnetic characteristics at room temperature. Photocatalytic activity studies confirmed that the as-prepared nanocomposites have high photocatalytic ability toward the photodegradation of RhB solution. Furthermore, the photodecomposition rate decreases only slightly after six cycles of the photocatalysis experiment. Thus, these Fe₃O₄–TiO₂ nanocomposites can be served as an effective and conveniently recyclable photocatalyst.     

Synthesis of S-rich flower-like Fe2O3-MoS2 for Cr(VI) removal

A novel Fe₂O₃-MoS₂ nanocomposite was synthesized directly via the solvothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed the as-prepared Fe₂O₃-MoS₂ had a uniform 3D blooming flower-like nanostructure with a MoS₂ substrate. The high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) confirmed the Fe₂O₃ nanostructures were well-dispersed on the surface of the layered MoS₂. The elemental mapping results revealed Fe, O, Mo and S elements coexisted in the Fe₂O₃-MoS₂ nanocomposite. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results displayed an S-rich MoS₂ structure had been formed in the Fe₂O₃-MoS₂ nanocomposite. As expected, the S-rich Fe₂O₃-MoS₂ nanocomposite had better photocatalytic performance on Cr(VI) reduction than that of bare Fe₂O₃, MoS₂ and TiO₂ P25.     

A novel method for the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles/CdS nanowires heterostructure nanocomposite and uses in photodegradation of methylene blue

We report here a simple, efficient, practical, and novel method for the preparation of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs)/CdS nanowires. The CdS nanowire/Fe₃O₄ NP reported here was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and energy-dispersive X-ray. Cadmium diethyl dithiophosphate has been used as a 3 in 1 precursor (cadmium, sulfur, and ligand source) for the synthesis of high-quality one-dimensional Fe₃O₄ NPs/CdS nanowires using a simple hydrothermal method in the presence of Fe₃O₄ NPs in water. Photocatalytic activity studies show that the nanocomposite has good photocatalytic activity toward the photodegradation of methylene blue in an aqueous solution.     

Efficient solar photocatalyst based on cobalt oxide/iron oxide composite nanofibers for the detoxification of organic pollutants

A Co₃O₄/Fe₂O₃ composite nanofiber-based solar photocatalyst has been prepared, and its catalytic performance was evaluated by degrading acridine orange (AO) and brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) beneath solar light. The morphological and physiochemical structure of the synthesized solar photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FESEM indicates that the Co₃O₄/Fe₂O₃ composite has fiber-like nanostructures with an average diameter of approximately 20 nm. These nanofibers are made of aggregated nanoparticles having approximately 8.0 nm of average diameter. The optical properties were examined by UV-visible spectrophotometry, and the band gap of the solar photocatalyst was found to be 2.12 eV. The as-grown solar photocatalyst exhibited high catalytic degradation in a short time by applying to degrade AO and BCB. The pH had an effect on the catalytic performance of the as-grown solar photocatalyst, and it was found that the synthesized solar photocatalyst is more efficient at high pH. The kinetics study of both AO and BCB degradation indicates that the as-grown nanocatalyst would be a talented and efficient solar photocatalyst for the removal of hazardous and toxic organic materials.     

Synthesis of magnetic Pb/Fe3O4/SiO2 and its catalytic activity for propylene carbonate synthesis via urea and 1,2-propylene glycol

To facilitate the recovery of Pb/SiO₂ catalyst, magnetic Pb/Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ samples were prepared separately by emulsification, sol-gel and incipient impregnation methods. The catalyst samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and N₂ adsorption-desorption, and their catalytic activity was investigated in the reaction for synthesizing propylene carbonate from urea and 1,2-propylene glycol. When the gelatin was applied in the preparation of Fe₃O₄ at 60°C and the pH value was controlled at 4 in the preparation of Fe₃O₄/SiO₂, the Pb/Fe₃O₄/SiO₂ sample shows good catalytic activity and magnetism. Under the reaction conditions of a reaction temperature of 180°C, reaction time of 2 h, catalyst percentage of 1.7 wt-% and a molar ratio of urea to PG of 1:4, the yield of propylene carbonate attained was 87.7%.     

A novel shape-controlled synthesis of dispersed silver nanoparticles by combined bioaffinity adsorption and TiO2 photocatalysis

Shape-controlled silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were prepared in a well-dispersed mode on the active imprinting sites of chitosan-TiO₂ adsorbent (CTA) by means of bioaffinity adsorption and TiO₂ photocatalysis. Nontoxic hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was used as a suitable etching reagent in our production of shape-controlled Ag NPs, since it could regulate the TiO₂ photocatalysis and accelerate the generation of O₂. With the same amount of H₂O₂ addition, silver nanocubes, nanospheres and truncated triangular nanoplates were individually obtained on the surface of CTA under UV irradiation by facilely adjusting the initial Ag⁺ concentration. The FE-SEM, XRD and UV-visible characterizations confirmed single crystal Ag NPs with different shapes loaded on CTA. The mechanism for the formation of shape-controlled Ag NPs was discussed based on a photocatalytic reaction system. As an example of applications of the Ag NPs, we tested the biocidal properties, and silver nanocubes exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. Our research provided a simple synthesis for shape-regulated Ag NPs steadily loaded on CTA. It might moreover be a guide in preparing metal nanocrystals monodispersely immobilized on chemical substrates.     

Oxidative dehydrogenation of 4-vinylcyclohexene into styrene over ZrO2 catalyst promoted with Fe2O3 and CaO

The oxidative dehydrogenation of 4-vinylcyclohexene (VCH) into styrene was carried out in the presence of oxygen over a ZrO₂ catalyst promoted with Fe₂O₃ and CaO. Intrinsically, ZrO₂ showed high dehydrogenation activity, which resulted in 80% styrene selectivity with 45% conversion at 425 °C and LHSV 3 h⁻¹. When the ZrO₂ was further promoted with calcium and iron, CaO/Fe₂O₃/ZrO₂, the highest styrene selectivity of 88.9% was obtained as well as the lowest deactivation. The deactivation of catalyst was prohibited properly through the introduction of oxygen in the reactant together with the modification of Fe₂O₃/ZrO₂ with CaO. The CaO/Fe₂O₃/ZrO₂ showed constant catalytic activity and selectivity for more than 50 h without deactivation. The selectivity of styrene was strongly influenced by the mole ratio of O₂/VCH and 95% selectivity with 80% conversion was obtained at O₂/VCH mole ratio of 6 over Fe₂O₃/ZrO₂. It is thought that the oxidative dehydrogenation proceeds through the dehydrogenation (DH) of ring-hydrocarbon of VCH followed by selective combustion of hydrogen (SHC) and the high selectivity of styrene was achieved by the bi-functional role of ZrO₂ for DH and SHC reactions. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Electro-Magnetic Polyfuran/Fe3O4 Nanocomposite: Synthesis,Characterization, Antioxidant Activity,and Its Application as a Biosensor

Herein, the authors report the synthesis of electro-magnetic polyfuran/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites using Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles of different content as nucleation sites via in situ chemical oxidation polymerization method. Surface, structural, morphological, thermal, electrical and magnetic properties of the nanocomposites were studied by FT-IR, UV-visible spectroscopies, XRD, FESEM, TGA, four probe, and VSM, respectively. The effect of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles content on the electrical conductivity and magnetization of nanocomposites was studied. The obtained polyfuran and polyfuran/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were analyzed for their antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In addition, polyfuran/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites have been investigated for application as electrochemical biosensor.     

FeVO4 as a highly active heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst towards the degradation of Orange II

The iron vanadate, FeVO₄, was prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that FeVO₄ could effectively catalyze H₂O₂ to generate active hydroxyl radical OH, which was confirmed with electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping technique. Therefore, it was employed as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst in the present contribution, and its catalytic activity was mainly evaluated in terms of the degradation efficiency of Orange II. Compared with the conventional heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts, α-Fe₂O₃, Fe₃O₄ and γ-FeOOH, FeVO₄ possessed a much higher catalytic activity. The high catalytic activity possibly involved in a special two-way Fenton-like mechanism, that is, the activation of H₂O₂ by both Fe(III) and V(V) in FeVO₄. Moreover, FeVO₄ possessed a wide applicable pH range and its catalytic activity was slightly affected by the solution pH values in the range of 3–8.     

Reduction and oxidation properties of Fe2O3/ZrO2 oxygen carrier for hydrogen production

Fe₂O₃ is a promising oxygen carrier for hydrogen production in the chemical-looping process. A set of kinetic studies on reduction with CH₄, CO and H₂ respectively, oxidation with water and oxygen containing Ar for chemical-looping hydrogen production was conducted. Fe₂O₃ (20 wt.%)/ZrO₂ was prepared by a co-precipitation method. The main variables in the TGA (thermogravimetric analyzer) experiment were temperatures and gas concentrations. The reaction kinetics parameters were estimated based on the experimental data. In the reduction by CH₄, CO and H₂, the reaction rate changed near FeO. Changes in the reaction rate due to phase transformation were observed at low temperature and low gas concentration during the reduction by CH₄, but the phenomenon was not remarkable for the reduction by CO and H₂. The reduction rate achieved using CO and H₂ was relatively faster than achieved using CH₄. The Hancock and Sharp method of comparing the kinetics of isothermal solid-state reactions was applied. A phase boundary controlled model (contacting sphere) was applied to the reduction of Fe₂O₃ to FeO by CH₄, and a different phase boundary controlled model (contacting infinite slab) was fit well to the reduction of FeO to Fe by CH₄. The reduction of Fe₂O₃ to Fe by CO and H₂ can be described by the former phase boundary controlled model (contacting sphere). This phase boundary controlled model (contacting sphere) also fit well for the oxidation of Fe to Fe₃O₄ by water and FeO to Fe₂O₃ by oxygen containing Ar. These kinetics data could be used to design chemical-looping hydrogen production systems.     

Microwave-hydrothermal synthesis of Fe-based materials for lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors

Fe-based materials, Fe₂O₃, Fe₃O₄, and FeOOH, were synthesized by the microwave–hydrothermal process in the temperature range of 100–200 °C and under very short reaction times of 15 min to 2 h. Under microwave-controlled hydrolysis and redox reactions, cube-like Fe₂O₃ was crystallized using FeCl₃, Fe₃O₄ particles were crystallized from FeCl₂ and FeOOH nanorods were crystallized using FeCl₃. The Fe-based materials were fabricated to make anodes and cathodes of lithium-ion battery and supercapacitor electrode materials to study their potential electrochemical applications. The electrochemical results showed that FeOOH had better anode capacity as lithium-ion batteries than those of Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄. The present results suggest that the microwave–hydrothermally synthesized Fe-based materials are promising lithium-ion battery anode materials.     

Improved interfacial properties of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites with Fe2O3/graphene nanosheets using a magnetic field

The performance of carbon fiber-reinforced composites largely depends on the properties of the fiber-matrix interface. Here, to improve the interfacial strength properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites, we doped different concentrations of Fe₂O₃/graphene nanosheets onto the interfacial region of the carbon fiber composites by nano-coating technology. With the aid of the magnetic field, the arrangement of nanosheets could be controlled in the interface. The nanosheets can be arranged on the carbon fiber surface parallel or perpendicularly with different concentrations. The tensile strength and interfacial shear strength of the modified fiber microcomposites had increased by 22.1 and 44.4% respectively with 1.0 mg/mL Fe₂O₃/graphene nanosheets. The results indicated that the Fe₂O₃/graphene nanosheets have an important influence on the carbon fibers and carbon fibers composites.     

Amino Functionalized Nano Fe3O4@SiO2 as a Magnetically Green Catalyst for the One-Pot Synthesis of Spirooxindoles Under Mild Conditions

(3-Aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane attached to Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles has been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, scanning electronic microscope, transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, thermal gravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The prepared nanoparticles employed as a heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of spirooxindoles derivatives in one-pot four-component reactions of isatin, methyl cyanoacetate or malononitrile, hydrazine hydrate, and ethyl acetoacetate. Amino-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles showed high catalytic activity in mild reaction conditions and excellent yields of products in short reaction times. Also, this nanocatalyst can be easily recovered by a magnet and reused for subsequent reactions for at least 5 times without noticeable loss in catalytic activity.     

Influence of Co3O4, Fe2O3 and SiC on microstructure and properties of glass foam from waste cathode ray tube display panel (CRT)

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of temperature and oxidising agents such as Fe₂O₃ and Co₃O₄ on physical and mechanical properties of glass foam is investigated. The glass foam is made of panel glass from dismantled cathode ray tubes and SiC as a foaming agent. In the process, powdered waste glass (mean particle size below 63 μm) in addition to 4 wt-% SiC powder (mean particle size below 45 μm) are combined with Fe₂O₃ and Co₃O₄ (0·4, 0·8 and 1·2 wt-%) have been sintered at 950 and 1050°C. The glass foamed containing 1·2 wt-% Co₃O₄ has good physical properties, with porosity more than 80% and bending strength more than 1·57±0·12 MPa. However, by adding different amounts of Fe₂O₃ in comparison with samples without iron oxide, little changes in porosity and strength are obtained.