NaFeSi2O6 nanocrystals as a catalyst for heterogeneous photo-Fenton degradation of organic wastewater

Abstract

In this work, a novel, earth-abundant, and environmentally benign NaFeSi₂O₆ catalyst is synthesized by a one-step solvothermal method without the introduction of any surfactants. NaFeSi₂O₆ is for the first time applied to the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction for the degradation of RhB under visible-light irradiation with long-term stability and a wide working pH range. ˙OH plays the most important role in the photo-Fenton process. Besides, ˙O₂⁻ and h⁺ are also generated and involved in this reaction simultaneously. Combining the experimental results and theoretical calculations, it can be confirmed that NaFeSi₂O₆ can be regarded as a promising catalyst to improve the efficiency of the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction.