Heterogeneous Fenton-like discoloration of methyl orange using Fe 3O 4/MWCNTs as catalyst: combination mechanism and affecting parameters

• Published in: Frontiers of materials science 2018, Vol.12 (1), p.21-33
• Main Authors: XU, Huan-Yan, WANG, Yuan, SHI, Tian-Nuo, ZHAO, Hang, TAN, Qu, ZHAO, Bo-Chao, HE, Xiu-Lan, QI, Shu-Yan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: affecting parameters; combination mechanism; Fe 3O 4 NPs; Fenton-like catalyst; MWCNTs
• ISSN: 2095-025X; 2095-0268
• DOI: 10.1007/s11706-018-0408-1

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can act not only as a support for Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) but also as a coworker with synergistic effect, accordingly improving the heterogeneous Fenton-like efficiency of Fe 3O 4 NPs. In this study, Fe 3O 4 NPs were in situ anchored onto MWCNTs by a moderate co-precipitation method and the as-prepared Fe 3O 4/MWCNTs nanocomposites were employed as the highly efficient Fenton-like catalysts. The analyses of XRD, FTIR, Raman, FESEM, TEM and HRTEM results indicated the formation of Fe 3O 4 crystals in Fe 3O 4/MWCNTs nanocomposites prepared at different conditions and the interaction between Fe 3O 4 NPs and MWCNTs. Over a wide pH range, the surface of modified MWCNTs possessed negative charges. Based on these results, the possible combination mechanism between Fe 3O 4 NPs and MWCNTs was discussed and proposed. Moreover, the effects of preparation and catalytic conditions on the Fenton-like catalytic efficiency were investigated in order to gain further insight into the heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction catalyzed by Fe 3O 4/MWCNTs nanocomposites.