10.57647/ijc.2026.1602.14

Effect of Hematite Crystallinity on Catalytic Performance in the Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton Degradation of para-Nitrophenol

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  • Swastika Pitahaya Novianiti1,
  • Nurul Hidayat Aprilita *1,
  • Endang Tri Wahyuni 1,
  1. Department of Chemistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia

Received: 2025-09-05

Revised: 2026-02-08

Accepted: 2026-02-14

Published Online: 2026-04-07

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Pitahaya Novianiti, S., Aprilita , N. H., & Wahyuni , E. T. (2026). Effect of Hematite Crystallinity on Catalytic Performance in the Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton Degradation of para-Nitrophenol. Iranian Journal of Catalysis, 2026. https://doi.org/10.57647/ijc.2026.1602.14
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Abstract

This study explores the effect of hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) crystallinity on the heterogeneous photo-Fenton degradation of para-nitrophenol (PNP). Hematite was synthesized by precipitating FeCl₃ with NaOH, followed by oven drying at 100°C and calcination at 250°C and 500°C to obtain catalysts with different crystallinity levels. The degradation was carried out under UV irradiation in the presence of H₂O₂ and hematite, with optimization of catalyst dosage, H₂O₂ concentration, initial pH, and irradiation time. The catalysts were characterized by XRF, XRD, BET, FTIR, and UV-Vis DRS. XRD and FTIR confirmed that higher calcination temperatures promoted crystallinity and phase purity, while BET analysis showed that elevated temperatures reduced surface area due to particle growth and sintering. UV-Vis DRS revealed band gap narrowing with increased crystallinity. Among the catalysts, hematite calcined at 250°C displayed moderate crystallinity, mesoporosity (2.9 nm), and the largest surface area (70.89 m²/g), achieving the highest PNP degradation (98.89%) at pH 6. In contrast, the oven-dried and highly crystalline (500°C) hematite exhibited lower catalytic performance. The 250°C catalyst also showed stability with minimal Fe leaching. These results highlight that moderate crystallinity optimizes catalytic activity and demonstrate the potential of engineered hematite as an efficient and reusable catalyst for sustainable water treatment.

Highlights

  • Hematite crystallinity controlled by calcination influences photo-Fenton activity
  • Hematite calcined at 250 °C shows highest PNP degradation efficiency (98.89%)
  • Moderate crystallinity balances surface area and band gap for optimal performance
  • Catalyst stable with minimal Fe leaching, effective at near-neutral pH (3–6)
  • Demonstrates potential of hematite as low-cost, reusable water treatment catalyst

Keywords

  • Hematite,
  • Heterogeneous catalyst,
  • Photodegradation,
  • Photo-Fenton,
  • Para-nitrophenol
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