Photodegradation of phenol red in the presence of oxyhydroxide of Fe(III) (Goethite) under artificial and a natural light |
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Authors: | Sara Belattar Nadra Debbache Imen Ghoul Tahar Sehili Ala Abdessemed |
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Affiliation: | 1. Laboratory of Science and Technology of the Environment, University Mentouri Constantine, Chaabat Errassas, Constantine, Algeria;2. Biotechnology Research Centre, BPE 73, Ali Mendjeli, Constantine, Nouvelle Ville, Algeria |
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Abstract: | The (α‐FeOOH) Goethite composite is a stable and an efficient catalyst in aqueous suspension under irradiation at 365 nm and by solar light. The photocatalytic activities of this composite were evaluated using Phenol Red (PR) dye (phenolsulfonphthalein class). In the dark, controlling factors, such as the pH and the adsorption of PR on Goethite surface were evaluated (before starting the photochemical experiments). It was found that the system PR‐Goethite present a small decrease in the main band of the dye (435 nm) which was explained by the low rate of adsorption of this dye on the Goethite. Also, we note that 40% of PR decolourisation was obtained after 200 min by the system PR‐Goethite‐hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in dark due to the formation of ?OH by thermal decomposition of H2O2 on the surface of Goethite. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as initial dye concentration, pH, photocatalyst amount, tert‐Butyl alcohol effect and H2O2 addition were investigated in the study of photodegradation of the dye. The results showed that the photodegradation of PR under UV‐A (365 nm) irradiation could be enhanced greatly in the presence of H2O2. Natural radiation tests (under sunlight) showed that degradation was faster comparing with that obtained using the artificial one at 365 nm. Studies of the mineralization using total organic carbon method under naturel light certify that this method, compatible with the environment, may be considered in the treatment of wastewater and generally in the process of removal of this kind of pollutant. |
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Keywords: | Goethite hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) mineralization photochemical degradation phenol red |
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