Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic performance of nano α-Fe2O3 supported on metal organic framework of Cd(II) for decomposition of Cefalexin aqueous solutions

Authors

• Seyed Kamal Blourfrosh ¹
• Kazem Mahanpoor ¹

• Department of Chemistry, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran.

Abstract

In this study, a new and effective catalyst was prepared by supporting the α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on a metal-organic framework (MOF). The synthesis of nano α-Fe₂O₃ photocatalyst was performed according to the reflux condensation method. The MOF was synthesized using cadmium nitrate and terephthalic acid. The nano α-Fe₂O₃ stabilized on the MOF by the solid-state distribution method. The α-Fe₂O₃/MOF was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, N₂ adsorption-desorption, and TGA techniques. The α-Fe₂O₃/MOF was used as a catalyst to the UV/H₂O₂ photocatalytic decomposition of Cefalexin (CFX) in the aqueous solutions. This process was optimized and modelled using the full factorial experimental design. Initial concentrations of CFX, pH, α- Fe₂O₃/MOF amounts, and initial concentration of H₂O₂ were the variables for determining the optimal conditions and mathematical model. The highest decomposition percentage of CFX was 95.84%. The kinetics of this reaction was obtained pseudo-first-order at a constant rate of 0.0769 min^-1.

Keywords

• Photocatalyst
• α-Fe2O3
• Cefalexin
• Metal-organic framework
• Solid-state distribution