FeVO4 nanoparticles synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity evaluation for the degradation of 2-chlorophenol

• Published in: Desalination and water treatment 2020-05, Vol.187, p.399-409
• Main Authors: Shafique, Asma, Bhatti, I.A., Ashar, A., Mohsin, M., Ahmad, Sheikh Asrar, Nisar, Jan, Javed, Tariq, Iqbal, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2-chloropheno; advance oxidation process; Heterostructured nanoparticle; Iron vanadate; photocatalytic activity
• ISSN: 1944-3986
• DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2020.25584

Heterostructured nanoparticles are active under visible light and have gained much attention for the remediation of persistent organic pollutants under visible light irradiation. Iron vanadate (FeVO4) was prepared by the co-precipitation technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-rays, and zeta particle sizer techniques. The particle size of FeVO4 was in the range of 190–210 nm with maximum abundance at 150 nm. The particle was in a spherical shape and agglomerated form. The band-gap of FeVO4particles was 2.95 eV. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degrading 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) under solar light irradiation. The process variables, that is, catalyst dose, pH, initial concentration of CP, H2O2 concentration, and irradiation time are optimized using response surface methodology. At optimized conditions, up to 91% degradation of 2-CP was achieved and degradation was mentored by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The observed and predicted 2-CP degradation responses were in agreement with low residual values. Results revealed that FeVO4 is active under solar light irradiation that could possibly be used for the treatment of wastewater containing toxic dyes.